How is your nursing practice unique?

Published

Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

We all provide patient care, administer meds, educate patients, etc. Is there anything you bring to your practice that's your specific little "extra"? I know that in my ICU, most people know that if given the opportunity to talk with patient families, I ask what music they like and I put Youtube on in their room with music that's better than the horrible TV station that plays some generic music overnight. 

I also wash my patient's face with a warm washcloth every night, and I try to make sure their hair is combed so if family arrives early in the morning they're looking as good as a critical care patient can look. My coworkers know there's always a supply of hairbands in my locker to use for patients. I also talk to everyone when I'm in the room. Alert and oriented or intubated and sedated, I try to just bring some conversation and interaction. They're not anything special, but they're things I think are important parts of how I provide care. What's important to you?

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×

My hospital will often have a "dedicated" RN to do a task related job and then give then give them a title. The latest one is colostomy care nurse. I guess there job is to train the staff or show them how to do the colostomy care on a patient on the floor (I briefed over the flyer in the breakroom). Wound care nurse is a popular one too.

The nurses who take on these roles often quit after a few months or the hospital gets rid of the position. I'm not sure why they quit so quickly, since they only have one specific job. I know of one who was suppose to be doing something in discharge/admission didn't take the position because it was going to be salary and not hourly. I assume that she feared that she would have to work A LOT of overtime and not get paid for it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).

Humor.

To be able to laugh with Patients and Staff creates a bond which stems from sharing the apex of an emotion simultaneously.

"Come together, right now, over me." -John Lennon

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.
2 hours ago, Davey Do said:

Humor.

That is clearly a common thread throughout your life endeavors. I'm sure it brought a little brightness to patients and staff as it does to those of us you share with now. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.
11 hours ago, DesiDani said:

Wound care nurse is a popular one too.

My hospital has a wound care team, colostomy care/education falls under their responsibilities as well. We also have a dedicated IV team, so most nurses are not trained in placing IVs. Some people seem to really like the specific roles, others do not stay long. I suppose you don't always know what you like or don't like until you try it out. 

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Community Health, Med/Surg, ICU Stepdown.

I have been trying to figure this out for a while! Interesting topic. What's my brand of nursing? LOL = ) In the hospital I tried to find time for personal cares in between tasks. Especially for my covid pts stuck in a room with no shower for months. I made sure they were clean, hair done, teeth brushed, clean linens. I am NOT talented at hair styling but I had to try for those too short of breath/immobile to do their hair. I learned how to braid different hair textures, do a nice part, ponytails, and man buns! 

People were SO grateful. It's easy to get focused on our task checklist because we are so busy, and some days I couldn't do much besides throw them a toothbrush. But the days I helped people feel clean and fresh I felt proud. I'm trying to figure out how to add a personal touch in my new outpatient job since I don't spend as much time with my pts. Besides my constant joking around. And I'm still working on French braids. Too hard

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in retired LTC.

It was those little personal care 'tasks' that always made me feel most satisfied. TY to those of you, posting here and reading, that take the time to do those little things that are like immeasurable.

I worked LTC and my thing was to cleanse EYEGLASSES. How my residents could ever see thru those cloudy, smeary eyeglasses baffled me. So when I cleansed someone's, the gratitude could be seen in their radiant smiles. I also liked to comment on any family/wedding photos at the bedside. Even if only to say 'what a beautiful bride' or 'such a handsome groom'. Esp the military ones.

 

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×

I genuinely care about my psych patient's woes. It must be hell not being able to control your own reality or to have to disassociate from your existing reality because it's so bad. 

I think the difference I bring is for the lucid ones. I reinforce constantly that things will get better. I carry around a tinted pair of spectacles which I give them and explain their current situation must look like that but when I take off the spectacles and they can see, I reinforce that's how life will be like eventually. One day at a time. A journey of miles begins with the first step. 

Ernesty and sincerity allows them to trust me and I have never broken that trust for anything or anyone! They come first and they know it! 

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion