Is it ok to say . . .

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Hi,

I am a new nurse, have been at my job a couple of months.

When I first started out, I was pretty nervous and was not that comfortable talking with the patients. Now that I've been there a while I am really comfortable and relaxed with talking to them. I want to make sure that I am professional in everything I say, and don't get "too relaxed."

The thing is, I really enjoy all my patients, and when I discharge them I am hoping that things will go well for them. I'm not sure if I should express that or not.

So I need your guidance and feedback on the following:

1) Is it ok (When discharging) to say something like "I hope everything goes well for you" or "Best wishes to you" ? I'm expressing what I feel, but I don't know if it's professional to say that or not.

2) Is it ok to say something like "I enjoyed working with you" . I guess I have the urge to say it because I really do enjoy working with all my patients, even the angry ones, because it seems you can always see the good in them and understand they have a reason to be angry. But again, I don't want to say it if it's unprofessional.

So what do you all think? Thanks in advance.

i laugh and say they can send the check made out to the (speaking very slowly and distinctly) "grntea bermuda fund" and after they laugh, i thank them and tell them they can always write a note to the nurse manager telling them that we took good care of them.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I always tell my patients that it was a great experience taking care of them, I hope they have gained something from their stay, I wish them all the best in their journey, and remind them that if they need us again they should not hesitate to return.

Depending on the relationship I have with the patient, I may also add that I hope I don't see them again, at least not on the other side of the nurses' station desk :) The frequent flyers get a kick out of that...but again, that's a judgment call. If I'm at all uncertain how it'll be received, I don't say it.

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

I work in long term care so my patients are sometimes with us for a month or longer. We often have "graduation" parties for people who've worked really hard during their rehab and get to go home. It's the best when they comemback for a visit not needing their cane or their walker.

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Specializes in PCU (Cardiac).

Yes, it is ok to say something like that; it shows the human/sensitive side of you.

I usually say "take care of yourself" or "best wishes". "It was my pleasure taking care of you" or ..."being your nurse".

I have heard patient's not liking or even feel insulted when some nurses on admission (trying to break the ice or who knows why) will say "oh, you are back..werent you just here"?

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Specializes in critical care, PACU.

I often say "I wish you all the best" because let's be honest here, it isn't always a pleasure :smokin:

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Specializes in Orthopedic, LTC, STR, Med-Surg, Tele.

I (usually) really enjoy my patients, and after three 12s in a row with them, I usually tell them "it was nice working with you!" I guess for Ortho, it fits because they're doing PT and all that stuff. *shrug*

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