How Should Medstudent Act Around Nurses

[midwesterner]

Hi everbody,

I'm a third year medical student who will be going out on clinical rotations soon. I have a question to ask all you nurses out there. How should I act as a third year medical student as a member of the health care team. More specifically, how should I act around nurses. I know this sounds like a ridiculous question. Nonetheless, I'm serious. I realize that coming out of two years of med school that I know absolutely nothing about the everday practice of medicine. Therefore, I realize that experienced nurses, techs, aides and so forth will be invaluable sources of learning and advice. Again, I know this question sounds like a joke...I'm serious...I've heard stories of medical students coming in with attitudes and acting like jerks...I'm definitely not one of them and would appreciate any input..thanks

[-jt]

How do you act?

#1 you learn to listen to her opinion about whats going on with your patients.

#2 collaborate with us - include us in your plan of care for the pt. Anything you are planning for the pt cant get done if we dont know about it.

#3 think of the nurse as your most invaluable resource but if she tells you something you dont feel right about - dont take her word for it - look it up. It will help you feel more confident.

#4 if she says "I dont know - he just doesnt look right" - get there.

#5 did I mention learn to listen?

Nurses are born teachers. Its what we do best & the part most of us like about our jobs the best. Be respectful, show that you recognize that the nurse was not put on earth to be the MDs waitress or maid, and you will have at your side an invaluable friend and teacher.

My friend always says doctors and nurses are like electricians and carpenters. They both build houses. They do different things to get the house built but if they dont work together, the house wont work at all.