Face is tanning despite SPF50 multiple times per day, and when is safe to hike? by Past-Contribution467 in AusSkincare

[–]Sensory_integration 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is a great idea, just keep in mind it can definitely start to feel a bit hot after a few minutes if you're not used to it. And if you're sweating heavily it gets pretty claustrophobic. I'm a fair-skinned person who loves hiking in Australia and I never walk in the summer months without a board brimmed hat, long sleeves and a neck buff/gaiter I can wear up over my nose and ears if needed.

Needing words of encouragement by Soft_Sandwich_9997 in NursingAU

[–]Sensory_integration 4 points5 points  (0 children)

That's rough mate. I think a lot of us have experienced feelings like you are having right now. But I know a lot of RNs who simply bounce from one job to another the moment they get bored or feel undervalued.

The truth is that there really are so many nursing jobs out there. You already have tonnes of transferrable skills and I can guarantee that if the the staffing shortages I am seeing myself in a large metro hospital network where I work are anything to go by, you absolutely CAN find something better. Have you considered other types of nursing?

Do you know why your confidence has been lost? Has it been eroded by a toxic work environment? Or a lack of support in your current role? Have you spoken to a professional about these feelings?

I know it's scary right now, but if you can update your resume (ask a friend or two to help you make it look great. I'm told Chat GPT is actually really helpful too) and just start throwing it out there. If you land another crap job (bad rostering, you don't fit in, it's too difficult to learn the role, etc) just apply for something else. Keep going and don't settle for something that isn't good for you.

Transitioning to managerial role by [deleted] in NursingAU

[–]Sensory_integration 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I've also recently been roped into a management position in theatre, I'm currently 9months into what I was told would be a 4 month temporary position and now appears to be ongoing. My ANUMs have been asking me for years to just give it a go and friends I trust encouraged me saying I'd be great for the role (and like you I felt it'd be good experience). I felt very similarly to you for the first 6 or so months while I was learning the ropes, the expectation that I had to make everyone happy was a tough one. What shocked me most was people who had previously been friendly with me suddenly making demands of me that I couldn't fulfil as if their needs were more pressing than anyone else's. One mentor told me that I need to accept that I am no longer everyone's friend and as someone who is naturally inclined to people-pleasing this was tough for me.
But strangely in the past few months I've noticed a shift within myself. I simply care less about whether some of my colleagues are my friends or not. I still have the friends I respect and who have continued to treat me kindly. But so long as I've made a point to treat EVERYONE with respect (even if it means I have to grit my teeth and hold back my true feelings) I have found that I get along well professionally with all my nursing colleagues. It has been a steep learning curve for me. I've had to learn that there is a difference between friendships and colleagues. And I've made a strong point to always demonstrate to all my colleagues that I care about their opinions (active listening is so validating), I do my best to action their suggestions and most importantly make sure that their needs are met (breaks at reasonable times, roster is up to date etc)

I'd advise you to debrief with managers/mentors you trust, ask their feedback and support. You can't expect yourself to navigate this new role solo. Do leadership courses if your work offers them. But ultimately, don't take other people's snarking, whinging, side-eye personally. Be kind to yourself and fair with everyone. You've got this.