How do you connect with other nurses outside of your shift? As a registered or licensed practical nurse (RN/LPN) or nursing assistant (CNA), how much thought have you given to your support network? It can be difficult for people outside of the profession to understand the joys and frustrations of our work, no matter how much they care about us. Are you connected to the nursing community, official or otherwise?
Burnout is unfortunately common among nurses and CNAs, and yet one of the ways we can counter that feeling is by enlisting support from others who have the capacity and experience to understand the challenges we face and appreciate the triumphs we witness.
RNs, LPNs, and CNAs who work PRN jobs in various settings often make that choice to counter burnout. Many find that the ability to change work settings and have variety in their schedule are practical combatant strategies for burnout. Nevertheless, participation and networking in the nursing community are other strategies typically applied to advance career goals and create a supportive environment.
Find Your Nurse Community
While working PRN shifts has a variety of benefits, the fact that the setting frequently changes may leave nurses feeling less connected to their coworkers. Furthermore, the natural support system accompanies a staff nurse position is not as quickly handled. So how does a nurse or CNA working PRN shifts find a community to bridge connections with and receive support?
There are various professional nursing organizations in that you can apply for membership. Possibly the largest for RNs is the American Nurses Association (ANA). Alternatively, for LPNs, there is the National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses (NALPN) and the National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA) for CNAs.
However, what if what you're looking for is less formal? Join the Nursa Community forum that hosts discussions among other nurses, CNAs, and allied health clinicians working PRN all over the country. There are discussions focused on nursing community updates and news, opportunities to provide feedback or suggestions directly to Nursa, ask questions, seek advice from other nurses, and many more. This resource is an opportunity for PRN nurses and assistants to have conversations with others and feel supported. Get started by introducing yourself to the community here.
Professional Nursing Tips
Additionally, becoming part of a nurse community, however you choose, can be an opportunity to do some networking. Connecting with other professionals of the same specialty or outside your niche may open doors in your future that you haven't yet seen. Often, we aren't even aware of the networking opportunities around us. Moreover, we may forget that what we are seen and heard doing, both at work and outside, can impact others around us and build our professional reputations. Here's a list of tips to help you cultivate a positive professional reputation:
- Introduce yourself to your patients and your coworkers.
- Be mindful of your body language and facial expressions. We give away much even without opening our mouths.
- Join a professional nursing organization specific to your specialty or a cause you are passionate about.
- Participate in community events, even when not directly related to health care.
- Regardless of where you are, be kind and respectful. You never know when you're making a first impression that could open doors.
- Offer support to other nurses and CNAs when you can.
- Share your knowledge and resources with other clinicians.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions.
PRN Shifts Are Networking Opportunities
Every single PRN shift is an excellent opportunity to network. The ability to place yourself in another work setting, interact with other licensed professionals and demonstrate your professional capability and knowledge can forge connections and relationships with professionals you may never have encountered.
You don't have to wait for a staff position to open up to be seen. Working PRN shifts may give you a competitive edge when a staff position opens up. You'll have been able to experience the atmosphere and culture of the facility, know key players, and draw on those experiences for more personal and detailed answers to interview questions.
Download the Nursa healthcare staffing app today. From your phone, you'll be able to create a professional digital profile, verify your nursing license and credentials, and scroll through the PRN shifts available near you.
