What do you do if your nursing career is not progressing despite receiving feedback?
You work hard as a nurse, but you feel like your career is stuck in a rut. You have received feedback from your supervisors, colleagues, and patients, but nothing seems to change. You wonder what you are doing wrong and how you can improve your skills, performance, and prospects. Don't despair, there are some steps you can take to get out of this frustrating situation and advance your nursing career.
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Bill Cantrell, RN, BSN, CENResusMed, Leader in Virtual TNCC & ENPC Training (Over 800 classes a year, Over 5000 nurses trained in 2023)1 Reply
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Jesin JoyFounder & CEO - EdulogiX | Ex- EY | MSc Nursing (Oncology) | MBA - Hospital Administration | BSc Nursing
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Benjie JalascoCommunity Development Manager
The first step is to review the feedback you have received and identify the areas where you need to improve. Feedback can be positive, negative, or constructive, and it can come from different sources and perspectives. You need to be honest with yourself and acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses. Try to find patterns and themes in the feedback, and prioritize the most important and relevant issues. Write down your goals and action plans based on the feedback, and track your progress.
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Reflecting on feedback is like piecing together a complex puzzle. Start by spreading all the pieces—each piece of advice, critique, or suggestion—before you. Examine each one, turning it over to see how it fits into your larger career goals. Are there pieces that seem off or irrelevant? Set them aside. Focus on those that align with your ambitions. Now, think about the actionable steps you can take. It's not just about understanding the feedback, but also about applying it in real-life scenarios, ensuring you adapt and evolve. Remember, it's a continuous journey of self-improvement, where sometimes, even the smallest adjustment can make the biggest difference.
The second step is to seek more feedback from other sources and channels. Feedback is not a one-time event, but a continuous process of learning and improvement. You can ask for feedback from your mentors, peers, or other professionals in your field. You can also use online tools, surveys, or self-assessments to get more insights into your performance. You can also join professional networks, forums, or groups where you can exchange feedback and tips with other nurses.
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It's essential to remember that feedback flows in all directions within an organization. While feedback from those above us helps us grow and excel in our roles, feedback from those below us is equally valuable. By seeking input from our subordinates, we not only create a culture of open communication but also gain valuable insights that can help us become the leaders we aspire to be.
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Imagine yourself as a detective in your own career mystery. Every piece of feedback is a clue. If what you’ve gathered so far isn’t cracking the case, it’s time to widen your net. Consider reaching out to colleagues for informal coffee chats, inviting insights into your work style or project outcomes. Maybe even seek a mentor outside your immediate circle, someone who can offer a fresh perspective and challenge your approach. Remember, feedback isn’t just about hearing what you’re doing wrong—it’s about discovering new ways to shine brighter. Keep asking, stay curious, and use every bit of advice as a stepping stone to your next big breakthrough.
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Feedback is a two-way street in any organization. While feedback from supervisors and colleagues can help us grow professionally, feedback from subordinates is equally valuable. Seeking input from those we supervise fosters a culture of open communication and demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement. Additionally, feedback from subordinates can provide valuable insights into our leadership style and areas for development. By embracing feedback from all directions, we can create a more collaborative and effective work environment.
The third step is to apply the feedback you have received and demonstrate your improvement. Feedback is useless if you don't act on it and show your results. You need to be proactive and take initiative to improve your skills, knowledge, and competencies. You can enroll in courses, workshops, or seminars to update your education and credentials. You can also volunteer for new projects, tasks, or roles that challenge you and showcase your abilities. You can also document your achievements and share them with your supervisors, colleagues, and potential employers.
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If your nursing career feels stuck even with feedback, think of it as a treasure map leading to hidden gems of growth. Feedback is your compass. First, internalize it; reflect on it like a mirror, focusing on specifics, not just the surface. Transform insights into actionable steps—tweak your daily routines or skills accordingly. Make this process dynamic by setting small, achievable goals, turning feedback into a personal challenge. Celebrate each small victory and iterate based on results. Remember, the art of using feedback effectively is a continuous journey, not a one-time fix. Keep exploring, adapting, and thriving!
The fourth step is to communicate the feedback you have received and the actions you have taken to your stakeholders. Feedback is not only about receiving, but also about giving and sharing. You need to let your supervisors, colleagues, and patients know how you have used their feedback and how you have improved your performance and quality of care. You can also ask for their feedback on your improvement and thank them for their support. You can also use your feedback as evidence of your professional development and career aspirations.
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One thing I find useful is conducting both one on one and group discussions . Make a safe space during a one on one discussion , where one can express his feelings and thoughts. Create a non judgemental environment environment so that both parties can freely and objectively speak. Group discussion is very crucial as well where stakeholders can objectively contribute their opinions . A space where you can validate feddbacks.
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When feedback seems to float like a paper boat in a stormy sea, anchoring it requires a thoughtful approach. Start by setting a meeting with your mentor or supervisor to discuss your career aspirations and the feedback you've received. Express your dedication to growth and your eagerness to excel in your role. Be open about the challenges you face in applying the feedback and ask for specific, actionable advice. Show your commitment by suggesting a follow-up schedule to review your progress together. This proactive and reflective communication turns feedback into stepping stones towards your career goals.
The fifth step is to evaluate the feedback you have received and the outcomes you have achieved. Feedback is not a static, but a dynamic and evolving process. You need to monitor and measure your improvement and impact over time. You can use quantitative and qualitative indicators, such as metrics, ratings, testimonials, or awards, to evaluate your progress and success. You can also compare your current performance and goals with your previous ones and see how far you have come.
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When feedback doesn’t seem to pave the way forward, it’s like trying to find your path in a dense fog. Start by holding a magnifying glass to the feedback, examining not just what is said but how it aligns with your goals. Reflect deeply—could the feedback be a misunderstood gem, or perhaps not as actionable as you need? Engage in a candid dialogue with mentors or peers, turning the feedback into a conversation rather than a monologue. By doing so, you transform vague comments into tailored advice, ensuring your next steps are clear and purposeful. Remember, every piece of feedback is a stepping stone, not a stumbling block.
The sixth step is to adjust your feedback and your plans based on your evaluation and changing circumstances. Feedback is not a fixed, but a flexible and adaptable process. You need to be open and responsive to new feedback and opportunities that arise along your career path. You can also revise and update your goals and action plans based on your feedback and achievements. You can also seek new feedback and challenges that will help you grow and advance as a nurse.
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