To be fair student nurses, we are quick enough to tell you when you get it wrong so I thought it would be nice to tell you when you get it right. On my last shift I worked with a 3rd year student nurse. It was one 12 hour shift and yet I knew by the end of that shift that I would like her to work in the department once qualified. She didn't do anything amazing or extroadinary, she wasn't fanstaically clever or skilled, and yet she made a firm positive impression that will last and I just wanted to share why.
I arrive early for shift as I need to allocate and next to arrive was the student nurse Jo. She said hello, introduced herself and put the kettle on (big bonus points there ) She looked smart in her uniform and had her portfolio and was properly equipped for the shift. It's surprising how many nurses will come in for handover eyes down, shuffle in and not say anything. I am sure it must be intimidating but that hello and introduction made a difference.
Her mentor was off so I put her to work with an experienced nurse but in by far the busiest area of the dept. I checked if that was ok. "Yes, I love it in there" she says. I'm thinking "bet you don't think that after 12 hours!!" but also it leaves me feeling that she is keen and enthusiastic.
Her mentor for the night is young, quick, and a fantastic nurse but she is known as a bit of a hard nut to crack and I know a small part of her is thinking "why on a bust night have you landed me with a student"
The department is so busy I only get into the area Jo is working every 30 minutes but every time she is hard at work not only doing the jobs but whilst doing so chatting to the patient and putting them at ease. After a couple of hours I check with her mentor who says "well she hasn't killed anyone yet, I don't mind having her for the rest of the shift" "Bristly old cactus" I think but know that this is actually real praise.
Over the rest of the shift she continues to quietly impress me. She is kind and gentle but also focused on what she is meant to be doing. She asks questions when she needs to but is mindful her mentor also has work to do. At one point she is doing a set of observations on her patient and notices he is not quite right and summons help.
At the end of the shift she thanks us all, tells us she has had a "great shift!!!!" and is looking forwards to coming back. Her mentor and I look at each other, groan, and cannot help smile - we are both exhausted and just want to go home to bed and sleep but cannot help enjoying Jo reminding us what it is like to have all that enthusiasm and energy.
So what was so special about Jo - well in truth nothing but everything. In 12 hours she had made an impression on pretty much everyone that she came into contact. She was professional, hardworking, willing to learn and a pleasure to have around. It reminded me of how simple it should be - if you come, work hard and make an impression then it is always going to stand you in good stead when applying for jobs.
It didn't need Jo to save a life or know how to do everything and anything just to demonstrate that she had the potential with investment to be a credit to the profession. I am sure that many student nurses out there will think but I do all of that and more and if that is the case I just wanted you to know, it is seen, it is valued and it does make a difference :)
thank you so much for posting this. I am a student nurse currently doing a rotation in the PICU and I feel so stupid sometimes when my preceptor asks me questions I do not answer right or don't have a clue. This is just what I needed to hear. I feel so much better that when I am enthusiastic and show a willingness to learn it may be recognized. Great post!!
this brought a lot of comfort and reassurance by reading this.
sometimes the nursing profession can seem realyl intimidating, but im glad that nurses also notice these qualities as well and theyre not overlooked. Its just the act of being a good person and really focusing on what your meant to do during each shift that will make us better nurses. all it takes is a good attitude, doing everything you can for your patient, and being professional.
) She looked smart in her uniform and had her portfolio and was properly equipped for the shift. It's surprising how many nurses will come in for handover eyes down, shuffle in and not say anything. I am sure it must be intimidating but that hello and introduction made a difference.
LuvPedsNrsg
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thank you so much for posting this. I am a student nurse currently doing a rotation in the PICU and I feel so stupid sometimes when my preceptor asks me questions I do not answer right or don't have a clue. This is just what I needed to hear. I feel so much better that when I am enthusiastic and show a willingness to learn it may be recognized. Great post!!