ONS Connect - April 2008 - (Page 15)

UPCLOSE&PROfESSIONAL Nurses Discuss the Ways They Avoid Career Burnout [By camille A. servodidio, RN, MPH, CRNO, OCN ®, CCRP, Contributing Editor] Lynne Rossier, RN Beth Gouge, RN L ynne Rossier, RN, oncology staff RN for Cancer Care Associates in Royal Oak, MI, says she believes that nursing is a calling and that people do not choose the profession for money or fame. She notes that nursing school does a good job of sifting out those who selected nursing for the wrong reasons. “After an early career ‘burnout,’ I left nursing thinking it was not a good fit for me,” Lynne says. “Every day that I went to work in the corporate world, I felt like I was missing something. I think caregiving skills are part of my personality.” Lynne eventually returned to nursing. “My patients are the reason I come to work every day. A lot of people think that oncology is doom and gloom. However, the people I see every day are strong and determined and they motivate me with their strength.” Beth Gouge, RN, a clinical nurse in oncology at Memorial Health System in Colorado Springs, CO, values “the relationships I build with my patients, knowing that I can and will help them throughout their stay in the hospital. Every day, I learn something new.” Both Beth and Lynne make special mention of their nursing mentors. Beth remarks, “My preceptor, Lisa, has made a dif- ference for me. Every time I work with her, we have fun and stay positive, regardless of the type of day we have. Even after one year, I still go to her with my questions and she continues to provide me with great information.” Lynne concurs. “I have a wonderful preceptor in my current position who continues to encourage me. The thorough orientation and environment of supportive nurses provided by my present employer result in a confident, self-assured nurse.” Lynne identified three wishes for recruiting and retaining nurses: adequate orientation and ongoing education with more funding earmarked for certification, an environment of supportive nurses, and feedback on a regular basis in addition to an annual review. Beth’s three wishes for recruitment and retention are 8- to 10-hour shifts (instead of 12-hour shifts), free memberships to gyms and trainers, and one extra day off for years of service. Are our oncology managers listening? ✱ Contributing Editor Camille A. Servodidio, RN, MPH, CRNO, OCN®, CCRP, is an RN coordinator/project director for the Connecticut Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program at the Hartford Hospital Cancer Clinical Research Office. APRIL 2008 ONS CONNECT 15

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ONS Connect - April 2008 Contents Editor's Note Just In Work-Life Balance A Year in the Life—Month Four Web Connect Capitol Connection Notice Nursing Now Enhance Your Professionalism in Your Daily Practice Help Patients Integrate Yoga Into Cancer Care Caregiver Care Epigenetics Offers New Options for Cancer Diagnosis Working for You Calendar of Events Staying on Top

ONS Connect - April 2008

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