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

In home care, the parents really are experts in their child's care.

I have some cases where it sounds ironic.

Never be afraid to advocate for yourself, coworkers, or patients.

treat patients the way you want to be treated if it was you

I said, "In homecare, the parents really are experts in their child's care."

I have some cases where it sounds ironic.

OK, MOST parents with a medically fragile child really are experts in their child's care.

Most kids who qualify for home nursing have problems with their breathing. The etiology of their breathing problems will vary, and often - when the underlying disease is rare - the parent knows as much as the nurses. Sometimes they know more than the regular pediatric floor nurses.

The child is in the hospital because he needs something that can only be found in the hospital, such as surgery or specialized testing. Trachs, BiPap, vents - these we do at home. And nobody knows the child as well as his own parents. If they tell you that that procedure works better if you do it this way, listen to them.

Elfriede, you're right that this doesn't apply to all parents.

Good shoes and support (compression) socks.

A sense of humor.

In a new setting, a watch and wait to see what the new culture is like.

There's many funny, quirky tips myself and all of us could leave, but that's most important to me is 'stick to what you know.' What you were taught, read, and know to be true. With so many nurses, we all have different techniques and ways about us, but you'll often run into those who have made modifications to their skill. While we can all appreciate anything that may make more sense or make life easier, some of those modifications aren't safe or correct. That being said, many skills and techniques are updating, always stay with that. But, especially with training, lean on what you know. Clarify it to be safe.

Stick to what you KNOW!

Always pack food and an extra pair of scrubs!

Happy Nurses Week!

Best Tips:

You Are Worth It!

Stay the Course. Strong Professionalism.

Safe Practice. Friendship.

Over four decades and a memorable career.

Invest in a good pair of shoes.

Always try to keep in mind how the patient is feeling.

If it's wet and not yours...DONT TOUCH IT!

If you're unsure of how to do something, don't do it by yourself, better yet ask someone to walk/talk you through it. We've all been there (even the cocky nurses that act like they've never messed up before) have all been in the same situation. It's better to learn than to make a mistake that could cost someone their life and you your license.