Best Advice You've Ever Heard

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Just wondering what the best advice you've heard in your nursing career thus far?? Mine was probably when I first became a nurse, I was standing in a pt's room with a surgeon and a bunch of residents. The doc looked at me, then at the residents and said to them, "Listen to your nurses, they spend more time with your pt's than you do. Besides, they probably know more anyway." I was never so proud to have become a nurse!!! :nurse: :)

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Specializes in ICU, Education.

The best advice i ever got, and that I still use to this day, came from my very first preceptor when I asked her what she thought i should do about something ( I think it was a bordline low u/o or something lilke that). She told me that if you're going to error, it is best to error on the side of caution. That was over 20 years ago. To this day, if I am not sure if something is an issue to be concerned about or notify doctor of, I will always notify. If I am wrong, the worst that can happen is I piss the doctor off. If i'm right then I've helped. If i error the other way and choose not to call, and I am wrong, well.... you get the picture. Over the years I have been able to narrow down what are questionable issues. However there are still times(especially working nights) where I am just not sure. These are the times I call (and I have to say I am ususally right, but even if I am not, and it turns out to be nothing, the docs are seldom angry, because if they are prudent they know I am right to question). I always document exactly what I told physician. This take the heat, anxiety and responsiblity off my shoulders.

Doris

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

The best advice I have received so far: "Cover your anatomy."

That piece of advice is so very important if you, as a nurse, wish to protect the patient, avoid lawsuits, and maintain your license at the same time. Always document properly, and never forget to touch all bases.

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Specializes in Emergency.

"Go with your gut!" This advice was given to me by a 25 year ER nurse during my preceptorship a few years ago. I've never went wrong using this advice.

Jen

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Specializes in Multiple.

All of the above - plus one more piece of advice - care for patients / clients as if they were members of your own family.

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Specializes in ICUs, Tele, etc..

Always take your allotted break...even if you're real busy

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Never be too busy to care.

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Specializes in Peds - playing with the kids.

Working peds mine is - "Did you care for your patients today like you would want someone to care for your child?"

I hope I do. I try.

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Specializes in ICU, tele.

"Remember you are only one person." I use this when I am feeling overwhelmed when we are short staffed. It helps put things into perspective.

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Specializes in floor to ICU.

Hospital nursing is 24 hours. Sometimes the next shift has to pick up where you left off. This advice works well for either the old nurse leaving things to do or the new nurse who has to pick up!

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"Remember you are only one person." I use this when I am feeling overwhelmed when we are short staffed. It helps put things into perspective.

SOOOO true! ;)

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i have only been a nurse for about 8 months..still at times overwhelmed by how much there is to learn every day on the floor. A nurse whose opinion I respect said, "Remember, NOBODY was born a nurse".

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