Exam Pass Notes

Download (Word)

Key Takeaways

• Resilience means adapting, recovering and continuing to work after pressure.
• It is not the same as being unaffected or silently accepting unsafe conditions.
• Dental nurses can strengthen mental, physical and emotional resilience through small, repeatable habits.
• Clear boundaries and regular self-care support safe, sustainable practice.
• Maintaining purpose and perspective helps you treat setbacks as learning opportunities rather than defining events.

Building Resilience

• Mental: notice all-or-nothing thoughts and focus on the next safe, practical step.
• Physical: protect recovery basics - take breaks, stay hydrated, prioritise sleep and include movement.
• Emotional: name your feelings, use debriefing after incidents, and balance setbacks with what went well.

Boundaries, Self-Care, and Setbacks

• Set and communicate priorities when demands conflict.
• Address repeated missed breaks or chronic overwork rather than treating them as normal.
• After complaints or difficult interactions, reflect on facts and what can be changed.
• If stress affects safe practice, sleep, confidence or relationships, use formal workplace or health support.