From my own observations I have seen a number of unwritten rules when it comes to nursing practice. Policies and procedures are fine but often times these unwritten rules are more powerful. Here are some I have noticed:
1. Your nose will not itch once all day...until you enter the room of someone on contact precautions.
2. Run around like crazy and you will be labeled unorganized and harried. Move around looking calm, cool and collected and you're labeled lazy and become a target for more work.
3. Never say "oops" in front of a patient. Instead, replace it with the word "there." Same effect for you...and less fear for the patient.
4. The moment you think it's safe to drop ass in your comatose patient's room is the moment their family decides to show up for their first visit in a month.
And my favorite personal observation:
5. Never underestimate the healing powers of being over-bedded.
Feel free to add some of your own unwritten rules of nursing...