[VivaLasViejas]

OK, we've weighed in on what we HATE to do at work........now, what do you actually LIKE to do? (Besides make money, of course...)

One of my favorite tasks is, of all things, taking care of post-op patients. I enjoy meeting them, finding out about their surgery, and making them as comfortable as possible, which is often quite a challenge! I also love to see them get better day by day until they're finally ready to go home. They are usually very appreciative of the care they receive, and sometimes I'll run into a former patient in town and they'll say "Oh, I know you, you're that nice nurse who took such good care of me!" Some patients come in for repeated surgeries, and we get to know each other over time....I really enjoy these patients, as opposed to the frequent-flyer medical patients who keep landing in the hospital because of bad lifestyles, addiction, and plain old stupidity (we have one young fellow who comes in roughly every couple of months in hypertensive crisis, who STILL doesn't get it that alcohol and meth are not his friends).

I also really like starting IVs---the more challenging, the better---and precepting students. I've currently got a gaggle of first-year folks who've taken to following me around the floor like little ducks, and I love it! They keep me on my toes, and I find I'm a better nurse when I have to serve as an example.

[mhull]

I like stating IV (and like the person above me, the harder the better also on children), drawing blood, and working codes (no i'm not morbid).

[Marie_LPN, RN]

Drawing blood.

Emergency cases.

C-sections.

Good-natured surgeons.

[SmilingBluEyes]

Being there for the birth of new families as a baby emerges. It's the most powerful, emotional, electric feeling in the world. After over 7 years doing L and D, I never tire of it------I love what I do when allowed to do it best.

[GoLytely]

My most favorite thing about my new job as a private duty nurse on the 7PM-7AM shift: lounging on the couch in my stocking feet watching tv...lol.
It's also kind of fun to draw up and give injections, and it feels good when they look surprised and say "I didn't even feel that!"

[memphispanda]

My very most favorite thing to do--talk to the patients!

I also like to start IVs (especially the ones where a couple of others have already tried and missed!), brush out the lol's hair when no one else took the time to (not that I am always able to find the time either), and anything that I haven't done before is a thrill.

[Angie O'Plasty, RN]

I love talking to the patients, especially doing patient teachings--and starting IVs too! (Especially on those dehydrated LOLs!) Two of the reasons I really prefer night shift. I can make time for those things without too much distraction.

I also like caring for people who are having a problem breathing. Some people are amazed at how a simple position change can affect their lung excursion and help them breathe better. I also like teaching breathing techniques that help the patient get more air, like pursed-lip breathing.

[lifeisbeautiful]

I was going to say money, but I see that's not an opotion I wold have to say the best at work are people that I work with from other departments (lab/X-ray techs, PTs, phlebotomists. housekeeping, janitors). They are always so happy, upbeat and fun to chit chat and joke around with.

[jnette]

ahhhhhhhhh... thank you, Marla !

So much, so much...

I love teaching. Teaching our patients about the disease process, the nutritional factors.. the WHY's of the many do's and don'ts they are faced with.

I love to motivate.. patients and new staff alike. I would LOVE to preccept.. just have not had the opportunity yet. Like you, Marla, I would SO enjoy that !

I love any kind of peripheral sticks.. be it drawing blood, starting IVs, or accessing our patients' grafts or fistulas.. love the challenge of doing it well.

Love working with central caths.

Love tube/peg feedings although I don't do them in my line of work. Love giving injections, hanging blood, abx, etc. Love drawing up meds and administering them (most of ours are IV or IVP.)

I guess I just love all the hands on stuff.. changing dressings, removing staples, sutures.. all that good stuff !

But more that all that, I most dearly love encouraging our patients.. finding ways to bring a smile to their faces... wrapping that blanket around them just a little bit more snuggly.. pampering them, and making them feel special and important. Praising them audibly when compliant and taking time to teach and explain when not, and exploring areas of noncompliance with them in a manner which is not condecending but uplifting and motivating. Teaching them things about their body and its systems that they did not know, and watching their eyes light up with new understanding.

Heck.. I could write a book here....

So we'll just go woth those for starters...

[HappyNurse2005]

well i am only a student but i still have my likes

i like patient teaching. i really like explaining things in a way htey can understand and seeing the look of understanding on their face.

i like reassuring them when they are worried or scared. to see the anxiety lessen is great

i like dressing changes-its just fun
i like giving non-oral meds. IV, IV push or piggyback, thru a peg tube, sub q, etc

love, rose