In Florida, the nursing landscape changes rapidly. That’s because it’s a popular destination for travel nurses, seasonal “snowbirds,” and vacationers, which keeps the population shifting. Weather-related events such as hurricanes can also impact patient census in many facilities.
These ever-changing needs in healthcare organizations mean Florida nurses often have to adapt to new teams and workflows. While that is expected in travel nursing, many other nurses find themselves starting fresh with a new team and new management styles more often than they expect. Learning to adapt quickly to new teams and workflows is a skill you can develop. Here we offer 5 strategies to help you feel at ease with the changing landscape of nursing in Florida.
1. Observe and Take In the Rhythm
Before you do anything to disrupt the natural rhythm of the workflow, observe every detail and action that goes on around you. Each team typically has its own interpretation of policies and follows them in its own way. If possible, shadow a charge nurse your first week on the new team.
Observe when doctors round and how handoffs are handled. Find out the timing for medications, admissions, and discharge. When is transport at its busiest? When you have the timing of the workflows down, you can easily move along with the rhythm of the new team.
2. Find Someone You Can Go To With Questions
In your observation, you’ll likely find one team member who is patient, experienced, and to whom you can comfortably go with questions as you get acclimated. If you feel comfortable enough to ask who that person might be, do so. When you start with a new team or a new facility, you’re often overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information. Your go-to person understands this, and moreover, they know the quirks and preferences of patients and team members alike. Save yourself the anxiety of trying to remember everything from the get-go by pinpointing a knowledgeable teammate to ask your questions.
3. Get Comfortable with Technology Early On
Florida healthcare organizations use a mix of electronic health record systems. Find out which system your new workplace uses and how it’s customized before your first shift. Don’t wait until after orientation to get familiar with the technology used by the team. Take notes and ask for practice time so you can quickly adapt on day one.
4. Learn State-Specific Policies for Florida Nurses and Understand Patient Needs
Florida’s healthcare organization’s patient population is made up primarily of older adults, as well as immigrants, visitors, and seasonal residents from out of state. Review your facility’s protocols regarding fall-risk prevention, interpreter services, and discharge procedures.
Consider obtaining credentials within your anticipated scope of practice. To make the transition between states easier, consider a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
Because Florida does experience hurricanes and other violent storms, it’s wise to acquaint yourself with weather-related preparedness, as well as emergency protocols.
5. Communication and Feedback Are Key to Adapting
You certainly can’t expect to adapt immediately. There are things you just can’t know until you have a few shifts under your belt. Nurses rely on good communication skills and valuable feedback to ensure they are doing a great job. Transparency and open communication are the best ways to understand and adapt to a new team and their workflow.
If you don’t understand a task, ask for clarification. Are the orders you receive unclear? Get help clarifying them. Speak with your preceptor or assigned manager after about ten days and ask them for feedback on the job you’re doing. Not only does this demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow, but it can prevent small misunderstandings from getting out of hand.
Patience is Key
Florida nurses know that when you’re adjusting to a new team and workflows with which you are unfamiliar, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Approach your new position with the intention to learn and become a true member of the team, even if you’re there temporarily.
Observe to learn the rhythm of the new team, understand your patients’ needs, and communicate effectively. Most of all, be patient with yourself. Follow these strategies, and you’ll quickly gain your footing and the respect of your teammates.
For information on how you can enter the healthcare workforce in Florida, please contact BOS Medical Staffing.
