Best Tips for Nurses - WIN $250! Nurses Week Contest 2018

Believe the patient when they say they feel like they are dying.

There is only 2 reasons not to take a bathroom break -CPR and fire. You will function much better after taking that 60 seconds.

Learn to do things with your non-dominant hand. When the suction machine (or wall suction) - for example - is not conveniently located, you'll find it really helps if you can suction switch-handed.

Also, challenge yourself to do some two-handed activities using only one hand. For example, tracheal suctioning can be done using one hand to manipulate the catheter & to occlude the thumb control. (OK, that's not for deep suctioning, but it works when you don't go past the end of the trach tube.) This can really help if you need to block a toddler's hands while suctioning.

If your "nurse voice," is telling you to call the provider-don't second that, call.

Always do a good assessment of your patient. This will help you see the changes in your patient's condition. Ex: patient going septic

-can save your patient's life

BEST tip for nurses - for an experienced nurse or a nurse who is just entering the workforce - is to not be afraid or shy TO ASK FOR HELP. Whether it be to turn a patient or to perform a procedure or to operate a machine.

This is not only for our patients, but for ourselves as well. Besides, if we all learn to ask for help, we commit less mistakes and get less injuries. Remember, we are all in this together!

Stay positive, help fellow coworkers and take care of yourself.

You need to take your breaks. 10 mins away from the unit can make a world of difference in your sanity, moral, efficiency and ultimately the care you give your patients. Take a walk, put your head down, breathe, collect your thoughts and come back ready to excel!

Work well with your team. Ask questions. Ask for help. Offer help whenever possible. Learn the names of your ancillary staff and tell them thank you. Above all else, be kind, especially to yourself!

Always pack your meal and always have something to eat in your bag/locker/whatever: almonds, a protein bar, etc., so if you are starving you won't be tempted by the snack machine or the old box of donuts.

Learn the names of people in other departments when you interact with them. Spend 5 seconds greeting the ultrasound tech, ED nurse, transporter, etc. It builds good will and they will help you down the road. It is much nicer to call another department and already know the person answering the phone.

There is no substitute for good patient assessment. Develop a routine and stick to it. It should not take more than 3- 5 minutes. Stay focused. Try not to get too trapped with long convo of symptomology unless pertinent issue found or change has occurred or there is a critical finding. This is physical assessment - what you find when you lay hands and instruments on a patient. Accuracy matters. Auscultation matters.

This is the basis for everything nursing.

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