Got "nurse face"? How'd you get it?

Nurses New Nurse

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"Nurse face" = the calm, collected expression that a nurse wears

I am a BSN, graduated Sept, no job yet (but looking hard), 2 years experience in LTC, and right now doing temporary caregiving/sitting work in an LTC (private pay).

I'm working on improving my practice. One aspect I'm working on improving is my "nurse face".

I'm pretty good (I think!?) at keeping nurse face when directly speaking with patients and families. At least, I've only rarely gotten feedback that I look tense while talking to them, and I've gotten a lot of other good feedback about how they feel about the conversation.

It's in the spaces in between - hurrying down hallways, trying to collect my thoughts, interacting with coworkers, working on the computer, untangling IV's, mentally counting what supplies I'll need to come back with, trying to punch meds accurately - that the tension gets into my face. And according to some of my former coworkers, it gets in there pretty good. Almost like I just bit a lemon with my whole face.

I'm trying to notice this more and consciously relax my facial expression, but it would really help me to hear some success stories.

Did you ever have to work on your "nurse face", and what helped it happen for you?

Any help appreciated!

Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.
I'd like to see a thread on nurses who flip out unnecessarily. I dont mean nurses who get terse and sharp in high stress situations. i mean nurses who havent learned to keep their emotions in check.

I work with one. Worst co-worker ever. Destroys morale left and right.

As for my nurse face, I stopped shaving. There are times though where no matter what you do, a good laugh comes out.

I was raised in an environment where a poker face was very necessary for day-to-day interactions. When my brain is busy, my face automatically forms itself into a pleasant expression with a half-smile.

I actually have had to learn how to lose the "nurse face" so that other people are aware of my emotions.

Sometimes, however, (and always at the MOST inappropriate times) my poker face completely fails. When that happens, I have songs that I will sing in my head to get myself composed. It helps me tremendously.

If I am about to have a laughing fit, I sing a sad song; if I'm about to cry, I sing parts of "Stand By Me"; if I'm about to lose my temper, I sing "I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas." Works like a charm, every time!

The trick to having a good "nurse face" is having a safe spot/confidant where you DON'T have to have a "nurse face" afterward!

"freaking out" is, at best sub-therapeutic and unprofessional and at worst a guaranteed ticket to corrective action.

This is brilliant--do you mind if I use it?

Specializes in ER.

Confidence. After a while, you see enough stuff that you learn not to judge what's around the next corner. Once you accept that, they could throw anything at you and you won't freak out. People who aren't confident eventually find something to freak them out.

Specializes in psych, general, emerg, mash.

its my protection! Its the thick skin you develop during the course of your work. Otherwise you leave yourself open. Watch the some doctors how they talk to patients & other staff. Learn from them. When your trying to get stuff done, you have to ignore people around you otherwise, you will get behind. Its not all flowers and chocolates, its work you have to do.

Haha, I've never heard the term "nurse face" before, although most nurses can pull off a great poker face. I have worked with a few nurses who have a very expressive affect which never influenced the care they gave, while on the other hand I've worked with nurses who had a "nurse face," but would run around like a chicken with their head cut off. The latter of the two types negatively affects my work atmosphere as I am constantly distracted and often have to give them support (not helping with the patient, but helping the nurse calm down).

You say the tension "gets to your face" - is it because you are concentrating or are you having issues with multitasking?

Specializes in Med Surg, Home Health.

Dear HollyBSNtoNP,

I'm brand new at this, so....yes to both.

Specializes in Mental & Behavioral Health/Geriatrics.

Emotionally detached nurse...I am not mocking you at all--it is actually a good skill to have at times. I believe there has to be some balance between empathy and being able to compartmentalize--otherwise you will go insane. I am way too empathetic. I wish I was able to do this.

Specializes in Psych.

Botox.

My thoughts, expressions, feelings are written all over my face. I worked on the nurse empathy, but if I don't want everything to show, Botox is my only option.

When a patient is awake and in pain, I use my "I hate that you're hurting face. What can I do to make it better?" face. But sometimes, putting emotions aside and making quick decisions in the situation is what's called for. If a family member or patient seems upset, I explain. Worked for me so far.

Specializes in Med/Surg, Oncology, Epic CT.

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I think you start developing the 'nurse face' or something similar to it the moment you enter into the customer service field...

It helps to cushion and brace for the unexpected...

For being in the customer service field for almost 10 years, I have perfected mine through...well, experience. I am sure it will only become more refined as I journey through nursing school...:)

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