Quiz for Ya

Ability to multi-task while maintaining a sense of humor and compassion.

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!

the ability to trust your instincts,

to know when your "right"

and to know when you don't have a clue to get help

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

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 ?!

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" ;-)