Got "nurse face"? How'd you get it?

[Cinquefoil]

"Nurse face" = the calm, collected expression that a nurse wears

I am a BSN, graduated Sept, no job yet (but looking hard), 2 years experience in LTC, and right now doing temporary caregiving/sitting work in an LTC (private pay).

I'm working on improving my practice. One aspect I'm working on improving is my "nurse face".

I'm pretty good (I think!?) at keeping nurse face when directly speaking with patients and families. At least, I've only rarely gotten feedback that I look tense while talking to them, and I've gotten a lot of other good feedback about how they feel about the conversation.

It's in the spaces in between - hurrying down hallways, trying to collect my thoughts, interacting with coworkers, working on the computer, untangling IV's, mentally counting what supplies I'll need to come back with, trying to punch meds accurately - that the tension gets into my face. And according to some of my former coworkers, it gets in there pretty good. Almost like I just bit a lemon with my whole face.

I'm trying to notice this more and consciously relax my facial expression, but it would really help me to hear some success stories.

Did you ever have to work on your "nurse face", and what helped it happen for you?

Any help appreciated!

[tyvin, BSN, RN]

I've never heard of "nurse face"... I wear my emotions on my sleeve so I've learned to keep that in check as to not freak any patients out. I wear my professional hat when dealing with patients (same thing).

[subee, MSN, CRNA]

Emotionally detached nurse...I am not mocking you at all--it is actually a good skill to have at times. I believe there has to be some balance between empathy and being able to compartmentalize--otherwise you will go insane. I am way too empathetic. I wish I was able to do this.

Maybe it would help if you think of it as an issue of needing to develop healthier boundaries rather than too much empathy. You are not the patient; the patient is not you. Once you incorporate better separation, you'll be able to survive the onslaught of emotions that can constantly grind you down.

Of course, there are exceptional patients that make you cry when you get home but better that be the rare case rather than the common.

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

Ah, keep calm and carry on? That look? Yeah it takes time...I work with kids and they need to know it will be ok (even high school kids)......so you learn but I am not the master of it for sure!

[Dehlia7]

I was reprimanded for seeming like I 'didn't care'. after over 20 years in this business in varying roles, I know this had to do with 'nurse face' because my superior described that as the problem. Be an actress. This is what i was told. My friends tell me that I have shown great caring throughout my life, by my actions, and the comfort i've given them in words. Be yourself. I am not a perky person, but from nursing school 20 yrs ago, to the present I have been asked to pound a square peg in a round hole. I took some of my superior's specific advice, but not the mandate to change my personality.

[ArrowRN, BSN, RN]

I already have a restricted affect and have difficulty showing or feeling emotions at any given point in time, so the 'nurse face' came easily to me. Some of my former and present coworkers have commented that I look "so calm."

Don't bark at me when I admit this, people. . . . .but I also have some difficulty with empathy. So when a patient is grimacing with extreme pain and rates it a 10/10, I'll quickly intervene without experiencing the range of emotions or achieving the depth of feeling that other caregivers seem to feel.

So, my 'nurse face' is partly due to being emotionally detached.

Being a star trek fan, sounds like you are describing a Vulcan ...so thats what a nurse face is ...lol

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

Being a star trek fan, sounds like you are describing a Vulcan ...so thats what a nurse face is ...lol

Guess I am a fellow Vulcan as well...glad to be in great company! :)