Hints for Med/Surg Nursing

I always wanted to be a nurse but it took me over twenty years to do it as a second career. I only regret that I waited so very long to do it. I also regret not starting out on med/surg in the beginning. I am there now and enjoy it everyday.

My number one tip for med/surg nurses is to connect with your patient, make eye contact and listen to what they have to say. They are someones mother,father, sister, brother, son, daughter etc. Wouldn't you want your family member treated that way ? Don't be afraid to show that you are human, that you have feelings and above all that you care.

My second tip is to watch what you say about patients while you are at the nurses station. Believe it or not voices travel and patients can hear alot better than you think they can. Don;t embarass yourself by being caught saying something you really didn't mean.

Never be afraid to call the doctor if you are concerned about your patient. That is why they are the doctor! So what if he/she gets mad--it is your license and the patients life on the line. He can go back to sleep.Tell them what the patient needs when they make rounds---approach them, they are human too- you are with the patient the whole shift , they spend ten minutes with them.

Treat your coworkers with respect, especially the techs because they will save you alot of work by being there for your patients when you have to chart etc. Smile and be kind to the other nurses and help them if you can, it is better to be a team player than a disgruntled one.

Be gentle with the elderly patients because they have seen alot more life than you and have earned some tender loving care. Move them gently, talk to them, and yes, you can even touch them. You might be surprised at how nice they are and how much knowledge they can share with you. Please treat them the way you would want your grandparents to be treated.

Have empathy for the addicted souls that cross your path. Yes, they did bring it on themselves, but... who are we to judge? There is a person on the otherside of that behavior and we don't know what drove them to drugs, alcohol etc. We really need to believe that they are in pain---maybe it is psychological and not physical. We should not be so quick to label someone "drugseeking".

Always quest for more knowledge to improve your practice and patient care. I try to learn something new everyday or apply something in a different way.

Take time to smell the coffee, compliment a coworker, take a deep breath, and of course go to the bathroom. Take your breaks because if you don't take care of yourself, how can you care for your patients?

And lastly, don't be afraid to feel sad, or down if you lose a patient because every now and then one of them will really touch you and it'll hurt to lose them. Remember the best things about them and that you gave them wonderful care. Be Proud YOU ARE A NURSE!