Ber

Just a few tips. Smile, as you introduce yourself by name and give the detail that you are a student. A smile says so much. Ask "how are you feeling to day" and really listen to the answer by being present to the person as they reply. Take the answer as the cue for continuing the conversation. Listen very attentively to what your patients say. If they are sad, upset ... dont be afraid to stay with them in that place ... a silent comforting presence and a listening ear is often all they need. Remember too you dont have all the answers and nurses can't always "fix it". It's good to try to get to know the PERSON who just happens to be a patient at that time. If elderly ask about where they come from originally, what they did for a living, etc, It's amazing the great stories you will hear. Humour is great and always plays a part in patient care but you need to judge it carefully and how to use it appropriately. Turn it on yourself is a good way to start and by doing this you wont cause any unintended offense to the person. Lastly I think its perfectly fine once you have engaged with the person to share your insecurities ---- remember you are human too so don't be too hard on yourself. Just be real , be genuine and dont feel obliged to fill silence all the time. Most of all listen and observe the non - verbals as much as what is said. Good luck. :wink2:

We use Ativan (Lorazepam) 1mg half an hour pre chemo for patients who have Anticipatory N & V. It is never used as a single agent but is instead used in combination with a 5HT -3 receptor antagonist such as Zofran, Kytril etc. and Dex. Patients who tend to suffer from Anticipatory N & V are usually younger women, who are highly anxious and have a history of pregnancy sickness and/or travel sickness. They also tend to have the expectation of being sick while on chemotherapy --- it would appear to be an almost self- fullfilling prophecy in many instances. In my experience of just over 4 years in the day oncology setting it is a very useful adjunct and works very well. It's amnesic and anti - anxiety properties have no doubt a lot to do with it's efficacy. Hope this is of use. Ber