Self-care management strategies for new graduate nurses

Art

Self-Care Management for New Nursing Grad Students

Introduction (Outline precedes bibliography)

This research paper describes self-care management of new graduate nurses. As more and more hospitals lose nurses, the result of multiple stressors including an increased workload without appropriate increases in compensation, it is critical the subject of self-care management be addressed (Zalumas 3). The author provides an explanation or definition of the topic, then discloses the role of the RN to self-care management among new graduate nurses and finally provides insights about the implications of self-care management of new graduate nurses for nursing practice. It also touches on the ways the scope of nursing care or nurse practice may change under the influence of self-care management of the new graduate nurse.

Nursing Topic

To understand self-care management among new graduate nurses one must first explain or define what self-care management is or refers to. This term is complex in nature, defined by various people in different and similar ways. It is best explained by the AMA (2007) as a model RNs and other health providers may use to empower their patients and to empower themselves to perform at their best, enjoying their careers as best they can rather than toiling without reward. This model encourages individuals to stand up for themselves and understand how empowering patients to become well in turn empowers nurses to feel healthy and continue their careers with pride and humility simultaneously.

Role of RN Relative to Topic

Nurses that receive support, and enabled self-care management for new graduates, are more likely than those who do not receive support to take on a more proactive role in the healthcare process (Ford & Ellis, 1998). Multiple factors impact the role of the nurse including the "context" in which information is delivered and the "relationship" existing between the RN, patients and supervisors or peers (including doctors) (Ford & Ellis 37). The transition of the RN from a caregiver to an individual with authority to empower others is part of a newer trend in medicine, one that is working to encourage healthcare personnel including nurses to "professionalize" the services they provide to others (Apesoa-Varano & Varano, 2004).

Implications for Nursing Practice or Change in Nursing Practice

The implications for this topic are dynamic. Studies suggest graduate nurses and their career paths "are more diverse and interesting" as graduate nurses learn more about self-care management for themselves and for the patients they work with (Zalumas 3). It is important graduate nurses learn about self-care management in practice to help prevent feelings of discouragement or frustration, feelings common among nurses working in "newer" settings where administrators are interested in enabling or empowering patients to recover well (Zalumas 3). Nurses can help in this process however, if they understand their roles, as outlined in this paper, which include self-empowerment, quality patient care and collaboration (ANA, 2007).

Conclusion

This topic is important because literature confirms that self-care management of graduate nurses and other providers may "significantly improve medical outcomes" especially among patients with "complicated" diseases or those that rely on frequent doctor or RN check-ups (Taylor et al., 1058).

The author proposes more attention be given to education, specifically orientation training for new graduate nurses that focuses on the self-care management model role so new graduates know what their role is in empowering patients to recovery, but also keep in mind how important it is to care for their own health and wellness.

Outline

The graduate nurse must be aware of the many elements that may impact their performance, including self-care or management. This paper introduces the concept of self-care management and defines the roles nurses play with respect to self-care management as new graduates.