Episode 35: From Vulnerability to Victory The Nurse's Journey Through Constructive Feedback

Ever been caught in a swirl of emotions after receiving a tough piece of feedback? Imagine transforming that moment into a stepping stone for growth. That's the promise of our latest Project Renew podcast, where I, Yona, peel back the layers of giving and receiving feedback in nursing. It's a heartfelt voyage into the world of effective communication, where personal anecdotes and professional guidance coalesce to empower our practice. Together, we embrace the stories that show us how empathetic feedback can strengthen bonds and foster excellence amidst the pressures of our calling.

Join me in a conversation that is as much about the connection we share with our colleagues as it is about improving patient care. We traverse the delicate nuances of feedback with stories of triumph and vulnerability. By sharing wisdom from both ends of the feedback spectrum, this episode becomes a collective reflection on how we can support one another in our relentless pursuit of betterment. It's a deep dive, beyond the clinical, into the art and science of nurturing our professional relationships through the power and finesse of constructive communication.

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Follow us on social media to stay connected: Facebook at Project ReNew, Twitter at @ProjectReNewPod, Instagram at Projectrenewpodcast, and Pinterest at @projectrenewpodcast. Share your thoughts and experiences and become a part of our thriving community. Visit www.projectrenew.co for more resources and updates on our podcast. We want to extend a warm, caring thank you to all of our listeners. We're thrilled to have you on this journey with us. Remember, you are not alone, and we're grateful to have you as a member of our community. We're here for you every step of the way, offering help and encouragement. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your warm and unwavering support. Project ReNew is a sanctuary for Nurses to Restore, Revitalize, and ReNew. Until next time, stay tuned for more acknowledgments... From the Heart: Expressing Gratitude for the Project ReNew Team. "The success of our podcast episodes on nurses' mental health wellness is a direct result of the efforts of my dedicated team at Project Renew. Shout out to Lucy (researcher), Yeye, and her amazing team at Brandgelize.com, and our exceptional editor, Roy Stinson, at stinsonvo.com. I am honored to have their support and inspired by their passion and commitment. I am proud to be part of this remarkable team and would like to express my deep appreciation for their unwavering support." Jona - Project ReNew 🌟

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:10):
Welcome to Project Renew, a haven where nurses come
to find peace, clarity andrejuvenation.
I'm Yona, your fellow nurse andhost, passionate about guiding
you towards a renewed sense ofmental and emotional well-being.
In each episode, we'll diveinto the heart of what it means

(00:33):
to care for others while alsocaring for ourselves.
We'll explore themes ofresilience, self-care and
healing, all tailored to theunique experiences of nurses.
This is more than a podcast.
It's a community where we cometogether to support, uplift and

(00:57):
empower one another.
Whether you're seeking a momentof tranquility in a busy day or
a companion in your journey ofself-care, you're in the right
place.
So let's embark on this journeyof restoration and renewal,
creating a space where yourmental health is the priority.

(01:18):
Hello and welcome back to ourProject Renew podcast.
It's Yona here, ready to shareanother episode filled with
insights and heart.
I hope you're all finding amoment of calm and inspiration

(01:41):
in your busy nursing lives.
Before we delve into today'stopic, let me share a bit about
myself for those who are new toour community.
I'm not only your guide throughyour discussions, but also a
fellow nurse and the proudfounder of Project Renew.
Our mission here is all aboutbreathing new life into nursing,

(02:06):
focusing on mental health,effective communication and now
the intricate art of givingfeedback.
Today's episode the Art ofGiving Feedback in Nursing Tips
for Constructive Communicationis close to my heart.
We're going to explore how wecan share our insights and

(02:27):
suggestions with colleagues in away that's constructive, kind
and truly beneficial.
So let's get ready to learn,share and grow together.
This episode is part of ourongoing journey to restore,
revitalize and renew the mentalhealth and professional growth

(02:49):
of nurses.
A critical aspect of thisgrowth is learning the art of
both giving and receivingconstructive feedback.
Let's ponder thisthought-provoking quote feedback
is the breakfast of champions.
This simple yet powerfulstatement by Ken Blanchard

(03:11):
underscores the vital role thatfeedback plays in our
professional development.
It's about nurturing growth,fostering understanding and
building stronger nursing teams.
In today's world, where nursingis more challenging than ever,
effective communication is key.

(03:33):
Constructive feedback is a toolthat can help us all become
better at what we do.
It allows us to learn from eachother, improve our skills and
ultimately provide better careto those who need us most In the
world of nursing.
It's not just about theclinical stuff.

(03:53):
It's a journey of learning,growing and, of course, giving
and receiving feedback.
Let me tell you a couple ofstories that really hit home on
this topic.
So there's this newbie nurse,full of heart and passion to
make a difference.
You could see her dedicationand she was still trying to

(04:16):
figure out the ropes of the job.
During one crazy busy shift Inoticed she was struggling with
some time management andprioritizing patient care.
Instead of calling her out inthe chaos, I waited for a
quieter moment to talk.
I started by praising hergenuine care for patients, then

(04:37):
gently brought up what I noticed.
I shared some tips and let herknow I was there to support her.
The key was making it clearthat this conversation was about
helping her grow, not tearingher down.
It wasn't an easy talk, but itmade a difference in her

(04:58):
improvement and our colleaguebond.
On the flip side, I've been onthe receiving end of feedback
too, once my mentor sat me downfor some real talk about my
communication during high stressmoments.
At first it stung and I got abit defensive, but looking back

(05:23):
I realized it was all abouthelping me get better at what I
do, not a personal attack.
Taking that feedback to heartchanged how I handled tough
conversations, especially inhigh pressure situations.
It wasn't a smooth ride, but itmade me a more effective.

(05:44):
These stories taught me thatfeedback in nursing isn't just
about pointing fingers.
It's about lending a helpinghand.
It's a two-way street where wesupport each other in becoming
the best versions of ourselves.
It's all about empathy and theshared journey to excellence.

(06:19):
Okay, imagine yourself right inthe thick of it, in the heart of
a demanding shift therelentless hum of fluorescent
lights.
Overhead, the symphony ofmonitor beeps.
Head, the symphony of monitorbeeps and a never-ending list of
tasks keeping you on your toes.
In the midst of thisorchestrated chaos, you spot a

(06:41):
fellow nurse you deeply respect,making a repeated mistake.
The pressure of the momentmounts and, without a second
thought, you pull them aside.
Your intention is to be helpful, but the words that escape your
lips come out sharper than youneeded.

(07:01):
You watch as their faceregisters a mix of surprise and
disappointment, their enthusiasmvisibly dimming under the
weight of your poorly deliveredfeedback.
The sounds of the ward blurinto the background as you come
to a startling realization itwasn't your intention to be

(07:25):
harsh, but the shifts, stressand the environment's urgency
hijacked your approach.
You see it in their eyes, thatcombination of hurt and
confusion.
It's a moment that could havebeen a golden opportunity for
growth, but instead ittransformed into an emotional

(07:49):
wound.
In the high-stakes world ofnursing, amidst the whirlwind of
long shifts and demandingenvironments, delivering
constructive feedback oftenbecomes a steep challenge.
The problem we face ismulti-layered In the midst of
managing patient care underintense pressure, our focus is

(08:12):
spilt.
We might recognize a teachablemoment, but the chaos of the
environment can make ourfeedback come out rushed or
harsher than intended.
This not only affects thereceiver's morale, but can also
hinder effective learning.
Moreover, our own stress andemotional fatigue can cloud our

(08:36):
judgment, making it harder toapproach feedback with the
necessary empathy and clarity.
The result Feedback that'smeant to be constructive can
unintentionally cause hurt ormisunderstanding, impacting team
dynamics and individual growth.

(08:58):
Recent studies across the UnitedStates and Canada have
illuminated the profound impactof effective feedback in nursing
.
These insights reveal thatconstructive feedback is more
than just an exchange of words.
It's a pivotal tool inenhancing nursing practice.
For instance, a study from theAmerican Journal of Nursing

(09:22):
showed that when feedback isdelivered thoughtfully and
regularly, it leads tosignificant improvements in
patient care.
It leads to significantimprovements in patient care.
Nurses reported feeling moreconfident in their skills and
more aligned with the bestpractices.
In Canada, research from theCanadian Nurse Journal found

(09:44):
that when feedback is part of asupportive learning culture, it
boosts job satisfaction andreduces turnover rates.
Nurses who receive regularconstructive feedback felt more
valued and were more likely tostay in their positions,
contributing to a stable andexperienced workforce.

(10:07):
In addressing the art of givingfeedback in nursing, exploring
evidence-based strategies thatpromote constructive
communication is essential.
Here are three fundamentalapproaches to enhance our
feedback techniques, eachoffering a fresh perspective.
Number one constructivedialogue.

(10:28):
Focus on honest conversationsemphasizing growth and
development.
Engage in thoughtful discussionthat highlights both strengths
and areas needing improvement.
This approach encouragesgenuine and meaningful feedback
exchanges.
Number two empathetic feedback.

(10:49):
Practice active listening andempathy when providing feedback.
Create a safe space for nursesto express their thoughts and
feelings and acknowledge theirperspectives.
This approach fosters trust,understanding and collaboration,
making feedback more effectiveand less confrontational.

(11:12):
Number three timely reflection.
Deliver feedback promptly andconsistently.
Avoid letting issues linger andaddress them as soon as
possible.
This approach ensures thatfeedback remains relevant and
actionable, preventing minorconcerns from escalating into

(11:34):
more significant problems.
Remember, after offeringfeedback, it's equally important
to prioritize self-care,whether it's a moment of
mindfulness, a short walk orsimply taking a few deep breaths
.
Nurturing your emotionalwell-being enables you to
continue providing feedbackcompassionately and effectively.

(12:08):
As we wrap up our conversationon the art of giving feedback in
nursing, I encourage you, ourlisteners, to take a moment and
reflect.
How can we transform ourapproach to feedback, making it
a tool for growth and connectionrather than a source of stress?
Think of the last time you gavefeedback.

(12:30):
Did it strengthen yourrelationship with your colleague
or did it create tension?
How can you approach itdifferently next time?
When receiving feedback, how doyou usually respond?
Do you listen openly or do youfind yourself getting defensive?
What can you do to be morereceptive?

(12:54):
Consider your work environment.
How often do you seeconstructive feedback being
practiced?
Is there room for improvement?
As we draw near the end oftoday's episode, where we've
delved into the art of givingfeedback in nursing, let's take

(13:15):
a moment to absorb the profoundinsights we've uncovered.
We've explored thetransformative power of
effective feedback, thesignificance of delivering it
constructively, and practicalstrategies like constructive
dialogue, active listening andtimely reflection that elevates

(13:38):
our nursing practice.
Allow this wisdom to resonatedeeply.
The greatest gift you can givesomeone is the space to be
themselves without the threat ofyou leaving.
This poignant quoteencapsulates the very heart of

(14:00):
constructive feedback in nursing.
It's about nurturing oneanother's growth while honoring
each individual's unique journey.
And, as we look forward to ournext episode, how nurses can
take control of their healingjourney, let us remember the
guiding light of Project Renew.

(14:20):
It's not just a project.
It's a lifeline, a sanctuaryfor revitalizing your mental
health and an embodiment of ourcommitment to your well-being.
In our upcoming session, we'llimmerse ourselves in empowering
techniques that enable nurses tonavigate stress, prioritize

(14:44):
self-care and tap into theirinner resilience, all while
embracing the profound messageof Project Renew.
It promises to be asoul-stirring journey, equipping
you to seize control of yourwell-being and flourish both
personally and professionally.
Until then, always rememberthat in the world of nursing,

(15:07):
you're never alone.
We stand together, rejuvenatingone heartbeat at a time.
And that wraps up today'sepisode of Project Renew.
I'm yona, and it's been a realjoy sharing this time with you.
As nurses, we know thatnurturing our mental health is

(15:29):
as crucial as caring for ourpatients.
My hope is that today'sconversation has brought you a
bit of solace, enlightenment orperhaps a chance to pause and
reflect.
If this episode resonates withyou, please consider subscribing
and spreading the word amongyour nursing colleagues.
We're in this journey together,and your support means

(15:53):
everything.
Stay connected with us for moreinspiring stories and practical
advice at wwwprojectrenewco.
This is your go-to resource forrejuvenation and growth in our
demanding but rewarding field.
Tune in to our next episode formore engaging discussions and

(16:16):
tips to help you thrive in yournursing career.
Discussions and tips to helpyou thrive in your nursing
career.
Until then, take care ofyourself as well as you take
care of others.
Here's to restoring,revitalizing and renewing our
spirits, one episode at a time.
Farewell for now, and aheartfelt thank you for joining
us on Project Renew.