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!
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1. Never hold a pen to chart @ 3am (tomorrow you'll see the little lines running down the page)
2. It may the 100th time you have been asked, but it is that patients first time to ask it.
3. Iron pills (prenatals etc) should NEVER be taken with milk. (Why don't Doctors tell patients this??)
4. Be patient with your patients. Sometimes being very ill makes you very mean and controlling- because patients have no control over their disease, so a little control on things they can (lights, heat, positioning etc.) is the only control they have.
5. A smile or a word of thanks from a patient or coworker can make your shift!
1. I work in the OR- you only have a few minutes to earn the trust of your patient. Smile and greet them, make eye contact, and take the time to listen to them!
2. You can fake it even if you have never done the procedure before, but don't tell the patient that you have never done this before act confident even if you are not!
3. Treat every patient as if they are a family member because you want your family to be treated with rescpect and kindness.
4. TEAMWORK! always help each other.
5. It's not all fun and games sometimes you have to be serious and do your job. Dr.'s act different in the OR than on the floor, What happens in the OR stays in the OR!
Specializes in ICU-trauma, neuro, surgical, medical.
1. The human will to survive is truly remarkable. Patients endure unspeakable injury and illness and still overcome.
2. We are not in control of outcomes. We still lose ones that should make it and save ones that should never see another day. And there is no way to predict who will be that one.
3 .The nurse's gag reflex can be suppressed 99.9% of the time, but there will always the 0.1% that still gets you. (Side note: Smells cannot be adequately described.)
4. Teamwork will make or break you. Learn to play really, REALLY well with others!
5. Being a nurse will always scare me. It gets better. The fear lessens. When I'm no longer scared, I will be dangerous. It will mean that I no longer see myself as having someone else's life in my hands.
1. T&S for 2 units does NOT!!! mean administer said units.
2. Sometimes there is nothing I can do to help a patient/student feel better physically. But I can acknowledge how they're feeling and I can listen ... and most of the time, somehow, that helps. Just a little bit.
3. The general public expects a nurse to know everything medical-related. It's perfectly acceptable to say, "I don't know, but I can try to find out for you." This is much better than making things up.
4. Mistakes are not an if but when. Be honest, apologize, and figure out how you can learn from it.
5. Celebrate! Celebrate your coworker's birthdays, celebrate your post-op pt's flatulence, celebrate your student's lost teeth.
I have to add #6. Take time for yourself. Go down to the lobby and get some coffee. Go for a walk after work. Make time for your friends and family. Read. Exercise. You are the best nurse you can be only after you've taken care of yourself.
Apleggs13
6 Posts
1. Compression socks are a day nurses best friend.
2. Always ask for help when needed. Don't try to do it all yourself.
3. Form good relationships with fellow co-workers. If you are helpful to others they will be helpful to you.
4. Always bring PLENTY of pens to work.
5. Never think of your patients a a a burden, but as a divine appointment! ( heard this from a speaker once)