A novice nurse is in the "rejection phase" of stress and wonders if she made the right decision when deciding nursing was her chosen career. Which strategy would help the novice nurse cope with transition into practice and reduce stress?

Question

a. When asked by the charge nurse to accept the new admission even though she had no discharges, the novice nurse stops and considers if this request is acceptable and safe, then accepts the assignment based on two patients having a low acuity level.
b. Refusing to eat anywhere but the hospital cafeteria to ensure a balanced diet and time to socialize with other staff and visitors
c. Avoid wasting time by listening to co-workers' problems or ideas on how to staff the unit during the upcoming holiday since the novice nurse's time is valuable and better spent getting her own work completed.
d. Make an effort to "win over" hostile or angry co-workers who find fault with the novice nurse's work performance.

Answer 1

ANS: A
Correct: To reduce stress and cope with the rejection phase of transition, the novice nurse should think before answering—take a few minutes before answering and deciding what is best course of action.
Incorrect:
b. The novice nurse should avoid minor stresses that drain energy. Bringing lunch and eating in a quiet space would be more helpful than spending most of the break waiting in line and eating lunch quickly or, even worse, eating on the unit.
c. The nurse should rather support co-workers by being a good listener.
d. The nurse should avoid people who are irritating or pessimistic.