As a nurse, you're constantly learning. Whether you're a first year nurse still learning the ropes or you've been in the nursing field for multiple decades, you've likely learned countless lessons. For today's contest, list the top five things you have learned as a nurse, submit it in the comments below and you'll be entered to win a $250 Amazon Gift Card!
About the Sponsor: Capella University is an accredited, online university offering nursing and health care programs in all degree levels. With a professionally aligned curriculum-you can start making a bigger impact right away in patient care experience.
5) Always keep a spare set of clean scrubs with you.
4) Never underestimate the power of TEAM, it's not a one man show, we are all working together for a common goal...don't lose sight of that, no matter what type of resistance you may initially receive. Remember that above all we are working to keep our patients safe, healthy & promote for the best possible outcomes for them.
3) Everyone, no matter what their role is or where they come from plays an integral part. Every single person has something unique to offer, that we can learn from.
2) Expect the unexpected!
1) If you are lucky enough to truly love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.
1) Hospitalists will admit a mental health patient (especially during a manic episode) on your floor to keep night shift interesting.
2) Never wake a patient up who constantly rates their pain 7+ / 10 thirty minutes after giving hydromorphone / dilaudid
3) If you are a male nurse and over 6 feet tall, be familiar with this question: "Can you help me move my patient?"
4) Most emergency department patient walk-ins complain of nausea / vomiting while chugging down soda and eating jalapeno chips during triage.
5) As a new nurse, find an experienced nurse to model who a) is a good example of a team leader, b) puts patient safety and advocacy before hospital policy c) willing to question the norm and when it is appropriate to do so, d) have a sense of humor.
1. When people are mean it's usually because they are hurting inside. Look at the person not the behavior and it suddenly becomes easier to treat them with kindness.
2. Even if a medical condition is the fault of the patient it is not my place to pass judgement and they don't deserve to be treated with less dignity or respect.
3. When you operate out of compassion patients trust you because they see you actually care.
4. Physical touch goes a long way.
5. Treat people the way you would want to be treated. You never know who you are taking care of and if you may run into them again some day.
#5-The human anatomy is vastly different than that dummy you practiced catheter insertion on. VASTLY!
#4-There is more than one way to get a resident to take their medications. You just have to get creative sometimes.
#3-Sometimes all your residents want to know is that you have their pooping pill, their sleeping pill and that one that makes them fart. Technical names do not matter.
#2-Some days you deal with family more than you get to deal with resident care.
#1-All it takes is a hug from your resident, a smile, or hearing them tell you how happy they are to see you today to make a bad day instantly a good one.
hkise111
5 Posts
5) Always keep a spare set of clean scrubs with you.
4) Never underestimate the power of TEAM, it's not a one man show, we are all working together for a common goal...don't lose sight of that, no matter what type of resistance you may initially receive. Remember that above all we are working to keep our patients safe, healthy & promote for the best possible outcomes for them.
3) Everyone, no matter what their role is or where they come from plays an integral part. Every single person has something unique to offer, that we can learn from.
2) Expect the unexpected!
1) If you are lucky enough to truly love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.