I'm sure I'll get burned for this, but today I attended a graduate panel for my former nursing program. The students got to ask us questions about pay scale, what we enjoy about nursing, and how to find jobs... etc. Well all my fellow nurses went on and on about how you touch people's lives, and you become a part of their families. They love all their patients, and *tears flowing* we're just so honored to be like Florence Nightingale. They told stories about sitting around with their patients telling stories about grandkids, and exchanging pictures. The usual cliches; a patient doesn't care how much you know, until they know how much you care. I feel like an outcast because I don't treat each patient like I'm their sweet old granny.
Seriously the way they describe nursing is like a wal-mart greeter in scrubs. Don't get me wrong I have people tell me I'm a great nurse, and a great person. I sit with little old ladies and hold their hands when needed. But can we get the sugar out of nursing? Can we stop calling everybody sweetie, and saying how cute they are? I'm a professional, if you have pain I'll get you a pill, I'll call the doctor, or I'll try my best to fix it, but I won't kiss your boo boo. If you need to be changed, I will change you. If you're scared, then we'll discuss whatever issue you may have. I run my rear off everyday providing care for my patients but never have I treated them like my puppy. Furthermore I don't see doctors acting like Pre-K teachers with patients. Honestly as a patient I don't care how sweet and loving you are, if I'm having a massive heart attack do you know ACLS?
While i agree nursing is an art/science. I am not so much into the acting. I cant baby talk my patients, they would know in a instant that it is insincere. Have i scared more than a few with worst case scenario....yes and it works very well in gaining their compliance. I have also held more than a few confused lols hands to calm them in their confusion.
I witnessed recently a new grad begging a patient (Pretty pls with candy on top) to do labs. Of course, the patient wouldnt do it. I felt more than a little embarassed to see such a display. When she asked for my assistance, i explained to pt that labs are done on a daily basis on this unit to keep track of electrolyte imbalances that may not be compatible with life. Did the pt understand...yes....did the labs get drawn??...yep. I find some people are insulted when you try to talk to them as though this is kindergarden and rightly so.
I always try to be professional and sympathetic. And BTW old Flo Nightingale was a VERY strong woman who fought against her quite rich family to become a nurse (seen as quite disgraceful for a lady), and argued and fought against the Gods at the time aka doctors, to get nursing recognised as a profession. She was one tough lady from what I have read about her!
Bortaz, MSN, RN
2,628 Posts
I baby-talk my patients ALL the time. Every patient, every time.