Medical-Surgical Nurses Modeling Resiliency
Resiliency is one way to address not only compassion fatigue, but also the change fatigue that can result from multiple new initiatives, our ever-increasing workload, and major reorganizations and mergers.
The 27th annual convention of the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN), which took place in Orlando September 13–16, offered a wealth of cutting-edge educational presentations along with opportunities for networking and fun. On the second full day of the conference, Marisa Streelman, an AMSN Board member as well as a unit director at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, led a town hall meeting on the subject of workplace resiliency.
Streelman started the session off by defining resiliency as “capable of withstanding shock without permanent rupture.” She reminded us that the benefits of resiliency include “bounce-ability”—the ability to come back from stress stronger than before—and a connection to workmates that helps us to be truly present at work. Resiliency is one way to address not only compassion fatigue, but also the change fatigue that can result from multiple new initiatives, our ever-increasing workload, and major reorganizations and mergers.
Ways to build workplace resiliency.
Streelman pointed out several ways in which we can build workplace resiliency:
- make connections with others rather than “going it alone” at work
- accept that change is a part of life
- move toward goals in a realistic […]