Why Patient Experience Depends on Nursing Resilience

By Kristin Baird

It’s no secret that an engaged workforce is necessary for a consistently positive patient experience. And nurses are pivotal in this equation.

Nurses who develop resilience can prevent burnout. This allows them to engage with patients on a deeper level and thus, contribute to greater patient satisfaction.

Resilience
Resilience is defined as the ability to face adverse situations, remain focused, and continue to be optimistic for the future and is seen as a vital characteristic for today’s nurses.

Lack of resilience places nurses are at risk for burnout, depression and job dissatisfaction.

Leaders can help nurses to recognize the signs of burnout and support them in self-care. Formal education on the subject can be helpful, but even more useful is having one-on-one discussions with your nurses.

Next time you make rounds on your nurses, instead of asking, “Do you have the tools you need to do your job?," ask them when the last time they had a break was.

I’ve spent many shifts without food, water or bathroom breaks. I still see that among nurses on the inpatient units as well as outpatient areas. They’re putting patients first.

Now it’s time for the leaders to address the nurses’ needs.

You won’t know unless you ask.

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