How Preceptors, Mentors, Spiritual Directors, and Life Coaches Can Sustain Your Nursing Career

Do you spend endless hours ruminating on your desire to work part-time to reduce your stress and improve your overall well-being but won't be able to pay your bills? Do you find yourself unable to sleep before a shift, and your mind races through all possible worst-case scenarios? Do you dream of leaving nursing altogether in pursuit of a career as a Walmart greeter?
If you've answered "yes "to any of these questions, you're not alone. Though incredibly rewarding, the nursing profession is marked by relentless demands, emotional intensity, and the paramount responsibility of ensuring patient care and safety. These challenges can lead to burnout, compassion fatigue, job dissatisfaction, and, for a growing number of us, the heartbreaking decision to leave the profession altogether.Â
We know the nursing profession faces significant challenges contributing to high turnover rates. According to the American Nurses Association, factors such as inadequate staffing, high workload, emotional exhaustion, and lack of support are primary reasons why nurses leave the profession (American Nurses Association, n.d.). A strong support system can mitigate these issues by providing us with the tools and resources to cope with stress, enhance our skills, and find fulfillment in our work.
Thankfully, there is a robust support system comprising preceptors, mentors, spiritual directors, and life coaches that can make a significant difference in sustaining us in our roles and enhancing the quality of patient care we provide. Which is the best fit for you?
PRECEPTORS are essential in the professional development of new nurses. They offer guidance, share practical knowledge, and help bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-world practice. According to Duquesne University, nurse preceptors are crucial in acclimating new nurses to the clinical environment, teaching essential skills, and fostering confidence and competence (Duquesne University, n.d.). Preceptors provide a structured and supportive learning environment vital for new nurses transitioning into the workforce. If you're new to the field, seeking a preceptor can be your first step toward feeling more at ease and competent in your role.
MENTORS are invaluable assets in nursing, providing long-term career guidance, support, and wisdom. They help us navigate our professional journey, offering insights that can only come from experience. Mentorship has been shown to enhance job satisfaction, professional growth, and the overall quality of patient care (American Nurse, 2021). By sharing their knowledge and experiences, mentors help us develop critical thinking skills, professional resilience, and a deeper understanding of the complexities of patient care. If you're feeling uncertain about your career path or need advice on advancing, consider finding a mentor to help guide you.
SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS offer a unique form of support that addresses our wholistic well-being. They provide a safe space to explore spiritual and emotional challenges, fostering a sense of inner peace and purpose. This form of support is essential for those of us dealing with the emotional toll of patient care, grief, and moral distress. A spiritual director can help us reconnect with something greater than ourselves (God or the Divine), find meaning in our work, and maintain our spiritual health. If you're struggling with the weight of your responsibilities, a spiritual director might support you to regain balance and perspective.
LIFE COACHES support us by helping us set and achieve personal and professional goals, manage stress, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. They offer strategies for coping with the pressures of the job and personal life, empowering us to take control of our careers and well-being. Life coaching can be particularly beneficial for those experiencing career transitions, burnout, or a desire for professional growth. A life coach can help you find clarity and direction if you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed.
In her book "The Nurses: A Year of Secrets, Drama, and Miracles with the Heroes of the Hospital," Alexandra Robbins shares the story of Sam, an emergency room nurse who was on the brink of quitting. Overwhelmed by the relentless pace and emotional strain, she found herself doubting her ability to continue. However, Sam rediscovered her passion for nursing with the support of a seasoned mentor and a compassionate spiritual director. They helped her navigate the complexities of her role, provided a safe space to process her experiences, and reminded her of her profound impact on her patients' lives. Sam's story is a testament to the power of support systems in helping nurses like us thrive in our careers.
The importance of support systems in nursing cannot be overstated. Preceptors, mentors, spiritual directors, and life coaches each play a vital role in nurturing our professional and personal development. By investing in these support structures, we can help each other remain in the profession, provide high-quality patient care, and achieve a sense of satisfaction and balance in our lives. As the demands on us continue to grow, so too must our commitment to empowering one another in every aspect of our professional journey.
Consider reaching out to one of these support systems today. Your career and your well-being are worth it.
*Supportive services like a preceptor, mentor, spiritual director, and life coach can complement counseling but not replace it. If you are experiencing depression or suicidal ideation, please reach out to a mental health professional or call 988 today.
References
American Nurse. (2021). The importance of mentoring and coaching in nursing. Retrieved from https://www.myamericannurse.com/the-importance-of-mentoring-and-coaching-in-nursing/
American Nurses Association. (n.d.). Why nurses quit. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/content-hub/resources/nursing-leadership/why-nurses-quit/
Duquesne University. (n.d.). Understanding the role of the nurse preceptor. Retrieved from https://onlinenursing.duq.edu/blog/understanding-the-role-of-the-nurse-preceptor/
Robbins, A. (2015). The Nurses: A Year of Secrets, Drama, and Miracles with the Heroes of the Hospital. Workman Publishing Company.
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