Having adjustment issues in your nursing job? Here are some of the ways to keep you motivated...

Being a licensed practical nurse is no joke. Hours can be long and the workload, challenging. But if you are determined to make a career out of being an LPN nurse, then you must be able to withstand the pressure and be professional at all times. Read on if you want to know the secrets to being a topnotch LPN nurse:

1. Have an emotional check and balance. Being a licensed practical nurse requires you to be in close proximity to people who are sick, anxious, and fussy. Do not add to the tension felt by your charges by being an emotional wreck. They need you to be emotionally stable so you can ease their worries and speed up their healing. Before you report for work, take a few calming breaths, drink tea, read a chapter from an inspiring book, or listen to soothing music. Check in your own emotional problems inside your locker when you change into your scrubs. Smile and greet colleagues and patients you meet. It simply would not do if you take out your problems to unsuspecting coworkers and sick patients.

2. Know the value of rest. As an LPN nurse, you know how fatigue can make patients agitated, cranky, and less cooperative. Well, here's some news for you. Fatigue can also wear you out and make you agitated, cranky, and less cooperative. A cranky LPN nurse plus an uncooperative patient does not make a good equation so take responsibility. To make up for your grueling 12-hour shifts, rest whenever you can and sleep a bit more on your days off. Although a quick pick-me-up at the bar after work can soothe your frazzled nerves, never stay for a full-on party especially if you still have a shift the next day. You can do your job better if you are relaxed and well-rested.

3. Learn stress management. As you know, an LPN nurse acts as a stress buffer between treatments and the patients. You are on the receiving end of tantrums, uncooperativeness, and general anxiety of your charges. Problems that may require your immediate attention may crop up and add to your workload. As such, you are prone to stress. Avert being stressed by learning stress management. Learn to schedule your rounds so you can deal with less fussy patients or charges first to "warm up," then proceed to the difficult ones when your energy is at its highest. During your breaks, savor your food, drink tea, or listen to some soothing music to relax your nerves before confronting your tasks.

4. Keep studying. If your schedule allows it, take a few RN courses during your days off or enroll in LPN nurse seminars. Not only will this help you be the best nurse, but it can also help you in advancing your career as a licensed practical nurse. Seminars can also help you learn your field better so you can do your work more efficiently.