A Tale of Two Nurses

[BookishBelle]

I don't know that you'll "understand" more by going through nursing school, but you'll definitely see more of both types of nurses. I disagree with the idea that the first nurse was meeting minimum standards of good patient care. It's one thing not to spend time chatting or to not pat someone on the arm. It's another to fail to meet a patient's most basic needs (meds that will get absorbed, tolerable nutrition - you don't need a special order to try oatmeal or applesauce!) and to expect an ICU patient to track their own intake & output for you. That is the NURSE'S JOB. I'm fairly burned out right now but I would never treat a patient that way.

I'm glad you experienced what it's like with a better nurse, and I'm sure the experience will help you to be a better one yourself.

Thank you so much!! I appreciate your perspective, and hope you can find a place that will restore your burnt-ness into joy!

[Brenda F. Johnson, MSN]

Great article! Isn't it amazing the difference when you add "caring" into the nursing picture? I see the stark contrast all the time, and it can make all the difference in how a patient deals with their hospitalization. Looking them in the eye, touch, listening and hearing are vital to good patient care.

[BookishBelle]

Great article! Isn't it amazing the difference when you add "caring" into the nursing picture? I see the stark contrast all the time, and it can make all the difference in how a patient deals with their hospitalization. Looking them in the eye, touch, listening and hearing are vital to good patient care.

I agree 100%!!!

[djh123]

Glad your sister is feeling well enough to travel. And glad you found inspiration from both ICU nurses.

I did 'this crazy nursing thing', as I call it, due to multiple reasons, involving my own health, seeing parents (separately) go through hospice, and more.

[BookishBelle]

Glad your sister is feeling well enough to travel. And glad you found inspiration from both ICU nurses.

I did 'this crazy nursing thing', as I call it, due to multiple reasons, involving my own health, seeing parents (separately) go through hospice, and more.

Curious if they were good or bad experiences, or a mix of both?!

[hotpeppa]

Thanks for sharing. This has been my experience also when my mother was hospitalized in numerous occasions. You can always tell the ones who are only doing it for a check. I never feel comfortable leaving her in their care. The nurse who truly care make all the difference in an already stressfully situation. That's why I'm pursuing this path. I want to be part of the solution.

[BookishBelle]

Me too!! Trying hard, even as a student nurse.