shawn2321

Hi Wendy, it sounds like your clinical knowledge is there and that is very important. Bedside manner is not always easy and great bedside manner does not always equal a great nurse. You have the knowledge and the skills...now take a breath step back and realize these are just people like you and I. Smile....smile...and smile, I constantly have letters written from my patients to my managers about my positive bedside manner. The truth is most people do not remember what you did clinically for them they EXPECT the best care, but what many are (sadly) unaccustomed to is a positive attitude and a smile. You are green but there is nothing wrong with it, everyone starts out with weaknesses. Do not forget the patient is a person, make small talk. I ask elderly patients about what career they retired from, their kids/grandkids, their family, weather, and just flat out listen to how they are feeling. I try to get to know my patient as a person and where they are coming from in life. When they ask about myself I tell them about me, I open up if they want me to. Trust is huge and taking interest in their life and them taking interest in who you are, builds trust. Remember you have the clinical skill....now relax and take in the opportunity of taking care of PEOPLE when they need it most. You'll do just fine.