Task One
A. Describe ways you can apply strategies to increase resilience and self-care that will influence
your professional practice in a healthcare environment (e.g., mindfulness, better eating habits,
exercise). Include specific examples.
I. Education would be my first strategy of resilience, not only for self-care, but also for
self-preservation. Educating myself on not only clinical situations but also on what my own
personal limits are builds my professional brand. My personal triggers are being self-aware and
educated on strategies to use, which can help reduce burnout and enhance my role as a patient
advocate. This class, for example, has taught the importance of personal care plans. Being
educated on the importance of self-care enables me to pass on the best version of myself to my
patients and their families during times of emergencies or illnesses, which can drastically
improve my personal mental health. This education also provides me with strategies for
maintaining a work-life balance and preventing burnout. Being a nurse is for patients; however, I
do have to mention the increased earning potential that comes along with education.
II. After education, I believe exercise is important for mental and physical health.
Exercise increases endorphins, which boost mood, enhance mental stamina, and help manage
stress more effectively. Exercise also increases physical stamina in the short term and the long
term. Studies have shown that strength training increases longevity, reduces the risk of falls in
later years, and prevents injuries when transferring or assisting patients physically. Any chance
of reducing injury,
III. Sleep plays a pivotal role in overall health and self-care. Studies have shown
increased energy, decreased depression, and, most importantly, a decrease in workplace mistakes
after an appropriate amount of sleep, compared to being exhausted. Returning to care strategy
number 2, exercise enhances the quality of sleep, which in turn can improve mental focus, reduce
medication errors at work, and increase patient safety. Mental focus and clarity are essential in
every nursing position, particularly in areas such as surgery, the emergency department, and the
ICU. The emergency room is fast-paced and requires immediate action, fast thinking that
changes from second to second depending on how the patient responds to medications and
treatments. Titrating drips as the patient's status or vitals change would be difficult to do
accurately and safely if the nurse were mentally exhausted.
B. List a SMART personal growth goal for each of the three strategies from part A (for a total of
3 SMART goals).
Education
Specific: Obtain my BSN as a stepping stone to obtaining my NP. The NP is the end goal.
Measurable: This goal is measurable and can be broken down into smaller milestones to help
stay on track and avoid becoming overwhelmed or fatigued.
A. Describe ways you can apply strategies to increase resilience and self-care that will influence
your professional practice in a healthcare environment (e.g., mindfulness, better eating habits,
exercise). Include specific examples.
I. Education would be my first strategy of resilience, not only for self-care, but also for
self-preservation. Educating myself on not only clinical situations but also on what my own
personal limits are builds my professional brand. My personal triggers are being self-aware and
educated on strategies to use, which can help reduce burnout and enhance my role as a patient
advocate. This class, for example, has taught the importance of personal care plans. Being
educated on the importance of self-care enables me to pass on the best version of myself to my
patients and their families during times of emergencies or illnesses, which can drastically
improve my personal mental health. This education also provides me with strategies for
maintaining a work-life balance and preventing burnout. Being a nurse is for patients; however, I
do have to mention the increased earning potential that comes along with education.
II. After education, I believe exercise is important for mental and physical health.
Exercise increases endorphins, which boost mood, enhance mental stamina, and help manage
stress more effectively. Exercise also increases physical stamina in the short term and the long
term. Studies have shown that strength training increases longevity, reduces the risk of falls in
later years, and prevents injuries when transferring or assisting patients physically. Any chance
of reducing injury,
III. Sleep plays a pivotal role in overall health and self-care. Studies have shown
increased energy, decreased depression, and, most importantly, a decrease in workplace mistakes
after an appropriate amount of sleep, compared to being exhausted. Returning to care strategy
number 2, exercise enhances the quality of sleep, which in turn can improve mental focus, reduce
medication errors at work, and increase patient safety. Mental focus and clarity are essential in
every nursing position, particularly in areas such as surgery, the emergency department, and the
ICU. The emergency room is fast-paced and requires immediate action, fast thinking that
changes from second to second depending on how the patient responds to medications and
treatments. Titrating drips as the patient's status or vitals change would be difficult to do
accurately and safely if the nurse were mentally exhausted.
B. List a SMART personal growth goal for each of the three strategies from part A (for a total of
3 SMART goals).
Education
Specific: Obtain my BSN as a stepping stone to obtaining my NP. The NP is the end goal.
Measurable: This goal is measurable and can be broken down into smaller milestones to help
stay on track and avoid becoming overwhelmed or fatigued.
