So I've noticed an interesting phenomenon lately. Our unit regularly gets students of various kinds - nursing, EMT, APN, etc. The nursing and EMT students sit in on report. Because they come to the unit often looking lost and uncomfortable and out of place, I try to do my best to get them oriented and comfortable. Explain the report, give them a report sheet and a clipboard and a place to sit.
But one thing I've noticed is that almost always, they don't have a freaking PEN!! I've snapped at a few of them, "Rule number one...ALWAYS have a pen on you!"
Yesterday my charge nurse pointed out that since everything is on the computer, they probably rarely need/use pens. I kind of had an "Oh ****!" moment. Is she right?? Is it actually possible to get through your day as a nurse without needing to carry a pen (or 2 or 4) in your pocket nowadays?
Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.
For anyone attending critical care convention NTI 2018 - See you in Boston! , you may run into allnurses.com tnbutterfly in her black collared shirt with allnurses logo --- ask her for an allnurses.com pen...... they are the BEST pens lasting several months. Highly sought out by those attending past NTI conventions.
So I was once a restaurant manager and responsible for hiring new servers. Interviewee shows up to fill out application without a pen. She politely asked me for a pen and I said no - I won't be hiring you so no need to fill out an application. She asked me why and I told her that as a server a pen is part of your uniform - its like coming to work without pants on. She understood, was obviously upset and left. She called me a week later to schedule an interview. She showed up with a pen and a pencil and I hired her on the spot. Fast forward 10 years and she is now a manager in another restaurant and she doesn't hire servers that don't bring pens to interviews either. Pen, pencil, sharpie, scissors to draw blood - everyone should have something to write with and write on also. You are in school - its part of the "uniform".
So I was once a restaurant manager and responsible for hiring new servers. Interviewee shows up to fill out application without a pen. She politely asked me for a pen and I said no - I won't be hiring you so no need to fill out an application. She asked me why and I told her that as a server a pen is part of your uniform - its like coming to work without pants on. She understood, was obviously upset and left. She called me a week later to schedule an interview. She showed up with a pen and a pencil and I hired her on the spot. Fast forward 10 years and she is now a manager in another restaurant and she doesn't hire servers that don't bring pens to interviews either. Pen, pencil, sharpie, scissors to draw blood - everyone should have something to write with and write on also. You are in school - its part of the "uniform".
Regularly take report on 3-4 PTs, and never use a pen. Except for discharge signatures, or to take notes during a nurse to nurse from another facility, or a call from an ambulance.
My department has computers. Even if they crash, I may not know everything, but I will know what I need to know.
Before washing hands 478 times a day became a thing, I used the palm of my hand and sometimes the back of my hand like a memo board. Can't do that anymore.
I still use my forearm and the back of my hand as scratch paper.
So I was once a restaurant manager and responsible for hiring new servers. Interviewee shows up to fill out application without a pen. She politely asked me for a pen and I said no - I won't be hiring you so no need to fill out an application. She asked me why and I told her that as a server a pen is part of your uniform - its like coming to work without pants on. She understood, was obviously upset and left. She called me a week later to schedule an interview. She showed up with a pen and a pencil and I hired her on the spot. Fast forward 10 years and she is now a manager in another restaurant and she doesn't hire servers that don't bring pens to interviews either. Pen, pencil, sharpie, scissors to draw blood - everyone should have something to write with and write on also. You are in school - its part of the "uniform".
I mean, just so I am clear...did you also require applicants to wear a server's apron to the interview?
Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.
It's not a millennial thing. I'm a millennial. I always have a pen on me, at work or otherwise. I'm pretty sure this is a learned nurse behavior, not an age thing.
My son the LPN is 27 and is even more possessive of his pens than I am! He always has half a dozen falling out of his scrub pants and shirt pockets. He steadfastly refuses to loan them out and one of the quickest ways to make him mad is to steal one. LOL!
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It's not a millennial thing. I'm a millennial. I always have a pen on me, at work or otherwise. I'm pretty sure this is a learned nurse behavior, not an age thing.
NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN
10 Articles; 19,218 Posts
For anyone attending critical care convention NTI 2018 - See you in Boston! , you may run into allnurses.com tnbutterfly in her black collared shirt with allnurses logo --- ask her for an allnurses.com pen...... they are the BEST pens lasting several months. Highly sought out by those attending past NTI conventions.