Published Apr 3, 2007
JUMACK
2 Posts
Hey! I have a question for ya guys. what makes a great Nurse? Not a good nurse, but a "great Nurse"? i will love to hear your views. Thanks
Dorito, ASN, RN
311 Posts
Ability to multi-task while maintaining a sense of humor and compassion.
rnin02
212 Posts
Willingness to learn, ask questions, listen to patients. The ability to remain patient (or appear to!), focused, organized, and keep a sense of humor. Don't over react, stop and think first. Ask for help, ask "stupid" questions. Jump in to assist with procedures you aren't familiar with, and tell the person your assisting that you need to learn said procedure...I wish I listened to my own advice on that one when I was new!
Above all, be considerate of patients, remember they are vulnerable (spelling?), frequently afraid, unsure, and they need you to feel better. Even if you don't know what will "fix" them, or their problem, just saying to them we will figure this out, I can get help, etc, etc will make a world of difference to the patient. Of course, this is hard to remember sometimes!
jetsetter
92 Posts
the ability to trust your instincts,
to know when your "right"
and to know when you don't have a clue to get help
snowfreeze, BSN, RN
948 Posts
Be yourself
Be a patient advocate
Be a self advocate
Be happy
Have a life outside of your job
Maintain a positive attitude
Go in life where your heart takes you
Support issues that you are passionate about
Recognize others issues
Try to empathize with all
cardiac.cure03
170 Posts
Talking w/ pts and actually letting em know what the heck is going on with them! Most pts need someone to interpret what the doc says, needing someone to talk with them about the consequences to what they're doing r/t plan of care. I am still new, but already gotten several "thank you's" for explaining thier situation and plan of care w/ them and their family.
We, as nurses, have a wealth of knowledge and information... Why not show it off and also build that rapport w/ out patients ?!
DarciaMoonz, LPN
154 Posts
I agree with all the others here. Knowing yourself is important. I am not a nurse yet, but what I have learned through going to school, is to know my limitations and not to be afraid to ask, as quoted above, the "stupid" questions;) . Be kind and compassion. LISTEN to the concerns of the people you care for. You don't have to spend an eternity with them, but acknowledge that you hear them. And laugh:lol2: :lol2: . I hear it's as good for ya as an "apple a day" ;-)