Being the Nurse Everyone Wants to Have

[jeastridge, BSN, RN]

I think you will stand out as a nurse to your patient if you are "caring". Every nurses gives medications, does procedures and whatever-nursing-stuff from the Nursing Funda' book but what will separate you from the "drones" is caring. And when we carry out our task to the patient, we remember that the patient are like us too- people.

Example, i had a mother who just lost her child and she was crying hysterically. A colleague (for whatever reason she had) was telling her in a loud and irritated voice, " Please, shut up." because she wanted to debrief/console the mother.

I know nurses are afraid to be too emotional and involve with the patient but it is never wrong to empathize with them. It is never wrong to look beyond the disease.

One time, I was looking for my nurse. I saw her in a room bottle feeding a baby. I asked her where is the mother and she said: " I let the mother take a shower. It's been days since she got one."

Small things like that makes a difference. I mean until know i still remember that nurse.

"Small things make a difference." You are so right. It's not being perfect. It's genuine caring. Thank you for your comment. Joy

[jeastridge, BSN, RN]

It seems to me that being the nurse everyone wants to have as a patient is tantamount to too much of a good thing. This notion, while noble, seems like a one-way ticket to burnout, disgruntlement and the possible ruination of a once warm, caring and delightful personality.

So arms-length is a good idea and always be leary of the soft-soap.

The goal is to get to the finish line with body and soul intact.

I am interested by your comment and perspective and appreciate you sharing. "The goal is to get to the finish line with body and soul intact." So true. I would submit that the way to do this is being vulnerable to one another, caring deeply and putting ourselves out there--essentially laying down our lives for others. In my view, the more we hold back and preserve ourselves, the more we lose in the end of what is deeply human. Love on while maintaining that "warm, caring, delightful personality." Can it be done? You tell me!

[jeastridge, BSN, RN]

When my daughter who is now a Nurse Practitioner, became a Nurse, my advice was to think of each patient as someone's Mom,Dad,Sister,Brother,Husband,Wife or child! This was always my way from day one and still is! They are not a disease or a room number but a human being who is scared and in need of care and compassion.

What good advice! Thank you for sharing your perspective.

[pnayak86]

Ideally, Every Nurse has a feeling of being a Good Nurse to his/her Patient. Many inculcate the inert qualities of professionalism and practice it in their routine patient care activities.... Some others, though they wish to be good Nurses, the unpleasant work environment, increased workload, arrogant co-workers etc may prevent them in delivering the compassionate care.

In a sentence to put up, best measure to be a Good Nurse, is to understand the patients needs; may they be physical, psychological or spiritual, and try to meet them with smile....

[jeastridge, BSN, RN]

Ideally, Every Nurse has a feeling of being a Good Nurse to his/her Patient. Many inculcate the inert qualities of professionalism and practice it in their routine patient care activities.... Some others, though they wish to be good Nurses, the unpleasant work environment, increased workload, arrogant co-workers etc may prevent them in delivering the compassionate care.

In a sentence to put up, best measure to be a Good Nurse, is to understand the patients needs; may they be physical, psychological or spiritual, and try to meet them with smile....

A smile and a good attitude speak volumes about who we are as nurses. Thank you for your comment. Joy

[BeenThere2012, ASN, RN]

Very good article. Sounds like you are one of those nurses everyone wants to have.

Thank you for including supporting one another and the importance of good managers. The importance of having a good manager cannot be stressed enough.

[BeenThere2012, ASN, RN]

Not an expert on management. But, I would like to see an article on "What Makes a Good Manager" or something along those lines. Anybody?

[jeastridge, BSN, RN]

Very good article. Sounds like you are one of those nurses everyone wants to have.

Thank you for including supporting one another and the importance of good managers. The importance of having a good manager cannot be stressed enough.

Thank you for your kind words. No doubt it is always easier to WRITE about being that nurse everyone wants to have--but I keep working toward the goal. Blessings as you look for ways to be a great manager. Maybe I can research and write something about that! Joy