Hardest Thing to Learn

Nurses General Nursing

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What is the thing that has been the hardest to learn for you as a nurse over your career? Early on, midway, or late. 

I've been an RN just over a year now, and for me one of the most difficult things has been learning to be assertive. I still find it difficult as I was very timid growing up. I'm getting better especially when I keep in mind it's for my patients' well being (I.e. ambulating after surgery, sc heparin/injections, q2 turns, etc).

Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
On 2/28/2021 at 7:31 PM, Kitiger said:

My Dad always said that if you say one intelligent thing and then keep your mouth shut, people will believe that you're intelligent.

That's one reason why that group of guys were called the Three Wise Men.

At their first meeting, they unanimously agreed to never say anything stupid.

 

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Not to let patients who are rude/angry/passive-aggressive get to me personally. that took a long time. Just yesterday I had to fight the impulse to shut up a patient's who said "we must be sleeping all day" as his wife did not get on her treatment early like he thought she should.

I just laughed and said, "yep you woke me up from my nap".

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Specializes in Physiology, CM, consulting, nsg edu, LNC, COB.
On 2/28/2021 at 5:04 PM, PsychNurse24 said:

 I am one of the few people I know who has enjoyed staying home during this pandemic!  One of the best books I’ve ever read in my life is called “Quiet:  The Power of Introverts in a World That Won’t Stop Talking”  by Susan Cain.  In fact I’m not sure where my copy has gone, so I’m going to order another one.

She also did a WONDERFUL TED talk on this.

 

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

My biggest challenge, and it is one I have struggled with since childhood, is that I am not sure if I am on the spectrum or not, which makes me socially unaware at times. I am very misunderstood. I would like to be accepted more. The people that I do get to know have no issues with me, but the ones that I do not "click" with, it is almost irreparable. I do not make friends easily. Once I do, I am loyal to a fault. 

I am in therapy. I am very passionate about my job and I often get told I am too passionate; I care too much. I have high standards and feel like others should have those standards. It has taken a while so at least I can recognize my faults and try every day to make it better. 

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Specializes in Psychiatric, in school for PMHNP..
6 hours ago, Hannahbanana said:

She also did a WONDERFUL TED talk on this.

 

Thank you for sharing this!

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On 2/28/2021 at 4:04 PM, PsychNurse24 said:

Hello, as a fellow introvert, I understand!  I am one of the few people I know who has enjoyed staying home during this pandemic!  One of the best books I’ve ever read in my life is called “Quiet:  The Power of Introverts in a World That Won’t Stop Talking”  by Susan Cain.  In fact I’m not sure where my copy has gone, so I’m going to order another one.

Haha, I have that book too. I love it!

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