Patients

Trust me, if they're not complaining about you, that's a good sign. Personally, I make a point to introduce myself on a first round through to check in on everyone that I can..."Hi, my name is locolorenzo, I'm going to be your nurse tonight. How are you feeling? Do you need anything right now?" Along with that, I make sure that I take any meds due within that next hour, pain meds for those who are asking and due, etc. I go back and set up everything else I need to do.

Also, take the time to converse with patients as you're in the rooms....I've made conversations about the cubs, the families...make some cheesy jokes once in a while. (i.e. lots of visitors.."wow, it's like vegas in here! If I had known, I'd have brought some sparklers!") I find that a caring manner helps......but if you know what you're doing...that's ok.

I think...Who cares. It doesn't matter if the patient likes you or not. All that matters is that you are doing your job in a professional manner, following the patients care plan, and helping recover your patients to the best you can during your shift.

I have found that regardless of your job, take care of the client, and get results. People have told me before that "I am quiet" or "I don't say too much." Maybe that's because I'm doing my job. You don't have a job as a nurse to make friends with patients or have bubbling conversations with them or their families. Now, don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with being friendly or trying a little harder to talk with your patients and their families, but don't lose sleep over it if they aren't holding hands with you because of your professional approach.

I just do the best for my patient and don't worry about it. I have gotten complimented, but usually I hear about it from someone else, the patients never tell me.

There is a girl on our unit who is always mentioned on our press ganey sheets for being so awesome. She has a great personality, patients love her. What they don't realize is that she can be somewhat of a ditz, and she has made many dangerous mistakes and been counseled many times. I believe she is on some sort of probation right now. Nurses have been fired for less, I think part of the reason she still has her job is her personality.

Just do the best you can for your patients, and like a previous poster said, if they aren't complaining about you, you are doing a good job.

When you go into a patient's room, add this question to your list:

What's the one thing that I can do for this patient that no one else has done before?

It might be something as simple as refreshing a pitcher of water or straightening out the sheets or something as complex as giving a good teaching on the medications you're about to give or how important it is to get assistance when getting up to the bathroom.

These things do more than convey a bright attitude, they comfort the patient and reassure the patient that you CARE about them.

That's what all patients need. They need to know that in the strange world of the hospital, someone gives a damn.

For those of us without the bubbly personalities and great looks, this can be achieved by making direct eye contact, using empathetic words, and acting in ways that make our patients feel secure and valued.

Most, if not all, of our pts are low acuity. I walk in, make good, long eye contact with a smile, stick out my hand, and introduce myself. Make that initial 1-1 contact. Then, while asking how they are doing, i write my name on their board, with my RN after it.

OK, relationship is established. Based on their response to my question, "How are you doing today?", the conversation progresses in the direction i need, get my questions answered, tell them that i will be back with their meds soon, and ask if there is anything else they need now.

This all seems to help them feel oriented and in some control. And, i follow thru on what i tell them. I am not naturally perky or sweet or any of that (tho that is the kind of nurse i want when i am the pt!), so i use my strengths. Be yourself, or at least those parts of yourself that you want the pt to see.:nuke: