Flexibility for New Nurses: Embracing Change in a Dynamic Environment
How can flexibility help you as a nurse?
Stepping into your first year as a nurse feels like juggling a thousand tasks simultaneously—each day bringing new challenges, unexpected shifts, and constant changes. But it's in mastering flexibility that you will truly thrive. Flexibility in nursing helps you adapt to the ever-changing environment, enhances your problem-solving skills, improves patient care, and fosters a sense of resilience. Ready to uncover how adapting on the fly can turn those tough first-year moments into major growth opportunities?
I used to drive to and from work every day, but now I work from home. If there were a car wreck in my path, I would adapt and take an alternate route. This is adapting. Adapting or being flexible in Indianapolis at rush hour is a must. I-465 is always jammed and crammed with traffic, and there is always something in your path that you have to work around.
How would you adapt to a traffic jam?
Adapting or being flexible can be difficult if you have not had to do it before. In nursing, flexibility is a must. You can be in the middle of a med pass and suddenly a patient codes. You have to immediately stop the med pass and take care of the critical patient. I remember from teaching little three and four year olds at church that when it was time to change the activity, some did not want to change. They would stomp, scream, and cry, thinking it would change the outcome. It did not. This is the same with nursing. If we were to throw tantrums like this, we will be employed for only a short time. Every nurse is expected to be flexible in their care and work.
The Importance of Flexibility in Nursing
Ever feel like the rules are always changing just as you’re getting comfortable? In nursing, adapting to constantly evolving policies, procedures, and protocols is part of the job—but understanding why these changes happen can turn frustration into empowerment. Let's dive into how staying flexible and informed helps you thrive in this dynamic environment. If you listen, the administration will explain why the charting system needs to be changed. They will explain why they changed this policy or that policy. Normally it is for the good of the patients or caregivers. Even for people that are not nurses, we must adapt to help us get through whatever we are going through. So, if you are going through a time of loss, you may change your social activities to be quieter and laid back so you can meditate on what you have lost. If you are going through a financial crisis, you may adapt by stopping the excesses or cutting out extra expenses in your life. These are usually fun things like TV cable, paid viewing services, eating out, etc. I do not like these times or changes, but they are a part of life, and we also have them in nursing. Pay attention to what the administration is telling you. If you do not understand, ask questions carefully.
“To do what nobody else will do, in a way that nobody else can, despite all we go through, is to be a nurse.” —Rawsi Williams, JD, BSN, RN, PhD
Flexibility in Scheduling: Shift changes
Shifts were constantly changing when I worked the floor. I was often flipped from nights to days like a pancake on the grill. I never got a good sleep pattern because the flips were short-lived. One or two day shifts, then flipped back to nights. My poor body did not know whether it was coming or going. Do I need to also add that these were 12-hour shifts? We had a shortage due to a nurse who had had her baby early and went on pregnancy leave. So, the team and myself needed to be flexible. I covered her day shifts when I could so that day shifts would not be short.
How do you maintain a work-life balance with this happening? Truthfully, it is hard. You take time with your family when you have it. On days off, instead of sleeping all day after my last shift, I got up early so we could do a family activity. No, it was not perfect, but no one's life is perfect, so we become flexible.
Building Resilience
What strategies have you used to manage stress during challenging shifts or study sessions? I have used several over the years. My pets (mainly dogs) have been an outlet for me to get rid of stress. They always listen and never judge. How do you balance your personal life and work or study demands? My husband and I have always planned trips away every couple of months to help us. He is currently retired, so it is just me who is trying for a work-life balance. Still, I make sure to make the time for things that are important to me outside of work, like time with family and travel.
Have you tried any mindfulness techniques, like deep breathing or meditation, to help you stay grounded during stressful moments? I have used deep breathing with my students and myself to alleviate stress or panic attacks. It does wonders if you add in some imagery of your favorite place (like the beach!). I have discussed these a previous blog, Balancing Act: Thriving as a New Nurse. If you are interested in meditation or deep breathing techniques, check it out.
I love getting outdoors when I can.
When I’m feeling overly stressed or just need a change of scenery, I will take a walk in nature to calm myself down. At home, I made my backyard into what looks like a park, and added a swing. (See below)
I love this swing on sunny days!
When things get overwhelming, who do you turn to for support—peers, mentors, or family? I turn to my Lord first, then my husband, and lastly, my youngest daughter. What steps have you taken (or could take) to continue your professional development and build resilience in your nursing career?
Support Systems for New Nurses: Mentorship Programs
One of my recent posts on Instagram and LinkedIn tells you why mentoring is vitally essential for new nurses. As a new nurse you are thrown out there into the deep end. Even if you go through the orientation as an extern, there are still situations you will not have encountered. You will no longer have someone to go to for every little thing. A mentor can help you! Check out my video here. Remember, mentorship is not a sign of weakness, but a path to growth and learning.
Team Collaboration
If the whole floor of nurses works as a team and acts as a team, then your life will be easier, even if it is not always smooth. You will still have rough nights or days, but you will have the team to lean on. Try to encourage your floor or shift of nurses to work as a team to achieve flexibility if they are not already. Remember, you are not alone in this journey.
“Flexibility is not just a trait you're born with—it's a skill you develop with every challenge you face.” – Sheryl Sandberg.
New nurses, remember that adapting to the unpredictable nature of nursing takes time. You won’t have all the answers right away, and that’s okay! With each shift, you’ll grow more confident in your ability to pivot, adjust, and thrive, no matter what comes your way. Flexibility is something you'll build day by day, just like any other skill.
"Adaptability is about the powerful difference between adapting to cope and adapting to win." – Max McKeown.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!
We’d love to hear from you! What strategies have helped you stay flexible during unexpected situations in your nursing practice? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below, and let’s learn from each other as we grow together!
Comment below!
I invite my readers to join a discussion in the blog comment section to share tips and support each other in developing this essential skill.
Join the Conversation!
I encourage you to read and share your experiences in the comments, and I invite them to read other related blogs on nursing professionalism.
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments:
What strategies have you used to manage stress during challenging shifts or study sessions?
How do you balance your personal life and work or study demands?
What mindfulness or grounding techniques have you tried and had success with?
When things get overwhelming, who do you turn to for support?
What steps have you taken (or could take) to continue your professional development and build resilience in your nursing career?
Any tips or stories you'd like to share with your fellow new nurses?
Ready to embark on this learning journey? Let's make this learning experience interactive and fun!
Share your answers in the blog comments to learn from each other.
Don’t forget to follow me on my Instagram account @nclex_one_on_one_tutoring and share it with your colleagues!
