{loadposition timer}
Times are difficult for everyone at the moment- every industry, every employer, employee etc. Dentistry is going through a stressful phase what with the recession, difficulties filling the diary, the introduction of the CQC and many other factors. For us Dental Nurses, not only do we have to deal with these issues having an effect on our employers and their practices but we also have to deal with our own issues such as the increase in the ARF fee and indemnity insurance, which we are simply expected to accept.
So, enough doom and gloom! What can we actually do in order to get as much pleasure and satisfaction from our working life?
- Get organised, motivated and set goals!
As boring as this sounds, it does work! If you aren’t organised at work and make mistakes or forget things then this is going to lead to a telling off from your employer and even possibly frustration from other colleagues. This is going to knock your confidence and lower your morale. If you go to work every day thinking ‘I’m going to perform to the best I possibly can’ then you will feel great and you will also impress your colleagues and employer with your professionalism and skill.
- Get involved!
Look into local events, courses or meetings which will give you the chance to meet other Nurses and DCP’s. Feeling part of the industry will give you a boost and networking can help raise your profile in the ever growing world of Dentistry. Plus there is the CPD aspect to consider. Joining websites such as the Dental Nurse Network help DCP’s feel part of a community and allow useful information, help and advice to be freely shared.
- Smile and be helpful!
Smiling is infectious, if you smile, you will make someone else smile. What a nice chain of events to be responsible for! Be pleasant, pay a compliment or do a nice thing for someone, it will make you feel good about yourself. I was recently on a bus with my son in his pram and at the next stop, a lady with a pram tried to get on and the bus driver refused her as the bus was full. I offered to get off a stop early so this lady could get on and she was very grateful. I didn’t have to do this, but it made me feel good to help. So if you see a patient struggling with an umbrella or your colleague is unwell and could use a cup of tea- help! You’ll be helping yourself too.
- Look after your body!
Working in surgery often takes it’s toll doesn’t it? Running around like headless chickens trying to keep up with a seemingly never ending run of emergencies can often leave us feeling drained! We need to make sure that we are drinking plenty of water during the day in order to stay hydrated and alert and try an eat healthy balanced meals. As tempting as it is to grab a McDonalds at lunch, it will undoubtedly leave us feeling sluggish and tired in the afternoon.
So, in a nutshell-
- Be kind to yourself and others!
- Realise your worth and invest your skills the best you can!
- Always aim to better yourself!
Emma Lever-Pilling RDN