Day 4: 2016 Nurses Week Top 5 Things Contest

[allnurses]

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!

Winner will be announced May 13, 2016

National Nurses Week - 7 Days of Giveaways

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.

UPDATE

If you liked the 2016 Nurses Week giveaways, you'll love the 2017 Nurses Week Giveaways!

[shawlisa12]

1. I learned you can't please everybody

2. I learned to always show good faith in what you do

3. I learned that everyone may not like you but respect goes a long way.

4. I learned you must be a team player because you never know when you may need someone to assist or relieve you when a situation arises on your floor/unit.

5. Always give your patient the benefit of doubt and listen to understand your patient's needs it can prevent a lot of mishaps.

[astockwell]

1. Not everyone is there to help you.

2. Not all trach care kits are created equally.

3. You will never forget the smell of C. Diff .

4. Over 10 cm of tunnelling on a coccyx wound is NOT a good thing.

5. You aren't just a Nurse now, you've always cared for others and cried over them but now you have the title.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

1- That good coworkers can make just about any shift survivable.

2- Not to take things personally.

3- How precious my health is.

4- That higher pay is not always worth it.

5- That my basic needs have to matter as well (fluids and voiding).

[bldlpn]

1. Trust your instincts -- your nursing education/experience gives you insights you can't always verbalize immediately. Find confirmation!

2. Patient advocacy is not negotiable, it's an integral part of your job (even if you don't agree with what your patient decides is right for him/her.)

3. Doctors are humans.

4. If you take a stand on workplace issues, don't expect co-workers to openly support you. You have to have the courage of your convictions even if you stand alone.

5. Being a nurse is 24/7. You don't get to clock out-- you can only take a break.

[Curly59]

1. You can't be everywhere at once.

2. By the end of the shift you will smell and look like you have been through a terrible storm.

3.Take the bad just like the good.

4. Carry vapor rub at all times in your nursing bag for emergency smells.

5. Forget about using the restroom and get a permanent foley!

[Paulaube3]

1. Look and assess your patient, don't rely on your monitor! You could be staring at that thing when your patient is tanking and you wouldn't know it unless you actually looked at them.

2. If you didn't document it, it didn't happen. So protect yourself.

3. Question everything, and find out everything for yourself. Don't rely on other people to spoon-feed you information. They may be wrong....

4. Your patient doesn't know what you don't know. Even if it is your first time doing something, act like it's your millionth time. Your patient can feel your confidence level.

5. Nusing is a team sport, so don't try and tackle everything by yourself. Utilize the experience of your coworkers to help you to get through tough situations.

[marialsnd]

1. If it's wet or sticky and not yours, wear gloves.

2. Air goes in and out, blood goes round and round, any deviance is a problem.

3. All bleeding stops, eventually.

4. Nursing school really does not prepare you for the reality of nursing.

5. You always need something when you're in a contact room.

[LongislandRN23]

1. I have learned to leave my emotions out of the situation, because nursing can be emotionally exhausting.

2. People will surprise you in good ways and bad.

3. Always stand your ground and make your opinion known and verbalized when your intuition/gut feeling is telling you something.

4. Use all of your vacation time every year.

5. Don't trust someone as being an expert, or the pure authority just because they have an MD, PA after their names.

[lorikf66]

1. Most patient's do not have any patience.

2. A good MD listens to the nurses.

3. You learn something every day, you might just not know it.

4. Nurse's are the heart of the hospital, office, ect.

5. We need more caring nurses in the profession.

[Nursepegita]

1: Mentor a new nurse, it is worth your while 2: Always intoduce yourself with a smile

3:When you can have " that feeling" something isn't right, take a set of vitals

4:Always keep a post its & a pen in your povket

5:Ask your coworker, did you read the chart? When asking something that clearly is in the chart

[aquariusgurl14]

1) Try to put yourself in client's place so that you can provide better care.

2) Do not hesitate to report suspicious activities by any staff or coworker.

3) Do not leave patient alone. Try to be safe nurse.

4) Provide equal care regardless of age,sex & religion but always respect /consider patient's culture.

5)Do not call patient by room number.

[BacktotheBeach, ADN, BSN, RN]

Never say the Q word

Breath and remain calm

Always take at last a small break to eat and hydrate, you'll feel better

Help out your coworkers whenever you can

Take time for yourself on your days off