What To Do When Family Doesn't Understand Your Hectic Schedule Nursing is a challenging profession. It’s emotionally and physically draining, and difficult taking the nursing mentality home, where you might need to care for more people.. Walking the tightrope to manage expectations at work, and at home is tough. At times, your family may feel left out given your hectic schedule.. Are there ways to establish channels for expectation management? ● Conversation is king When we lack communication, it’s hard for us to truly know each other. Prioritize time and discuss at length the challenges you are facing as a nurse. Having insight into the hardships of the profession may open avenues for a better understanding on behalf of your family. It is worthwhile to spend time interacting with your spouse and children. ● It's okay to say no Most of us extend ourselves beyond capacity. That’s because it can be hard to say no. Often our hearts are in the right place, and we are doing the right things. Sometimes, we need to make sure we are only saying yes to the things that are truly important, and declining those that are ultimately inconsequential. This could mean saying no to additional shifts, covering for a colleague, or working more hours for brownie points. A rational and polite discussion on things you would not be able to accommodate in your daily schedule, could set the platform for better understanding and communication, both at the hospital and at home. ● Guard dinner time Certain times of the day can be sacred, and it usually ends up being dinner time. Conversations at dinner can bring out real issues, and the outcome of said conversations can be mutually beneficial for both parties. ● Make Date Night important To remain connected to your spouse, date night has to be a priority. This is easier said than done, and doesn't happen nearly enough in our house. Prioritizing time with your loved ones is important and we have to strive for this mentality. ● Be willing to compromise If the rule in your house is “it’s my way, or the highway,” then you might need to hitchhike your way to a better plan. You can’t always do what you want to do. For some, it could mean taking their children to a friend’s birthday party, while for someone else it could be staying home and watching TV. For children, it may mean a trip to the park. Compromise is mandatory in a functional home. ● Unplug We are so connected to the world around us, it’s easy to become disconnected from the home we live in. Constantly checking our phones for new tasks, planning the next shift, taking orders, and handling staff rosters can be mood killers at home. Every
minute you spend meticulously planning for your next shift, is another minute you could be spending with your family. We need to regularly force ourselves to disconnect ourselves from electronic devices, and connect with our families instead. There’s no doubt that family problems, busy schedules and everyday concerns can pull you away from your family. Don’t let the hectic nature of your professional life burn you out. There’s time to course-correct before you veer off path. Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter