So...do you really use this stuff in the hospital?

[cherubhipster]

Hello friends!

I just started school to get my RN. Now that I have started school I feel like:

Before- I didn't know what being a nurse entails but I thought I did.

Now- I have scratched the surface and....whoa.

There are a million and one theories and things that are supposed to be going on in your head when you actually work with pts in the hospital. My question is- how much of what you learn in school do you actually use? Do you sit there and break down the nursing process in your brain and think about self care requisites and deficits as you converse with a pt...or do you concentrate on the straight skills at hand? How does one ever balance this balancing act?

I'm just feeling a little overwhelmed (like everyone that just started school apparently) and looking to hear some thoughts.

Thanks!:redpinkhe

[nightmare, RN]

Love that example,Roy. Having watched patients in the Stroke unit being literally taught how to walk again ,it is a very complicated process which we all take for granted.

Those things we learnt in Nursing School can seem complicated but,as you said,repetition makes us 'perfect' and confident to do the job properly.A competent nurse makes for a happier,relaxed patient.

[Natkat, BSN, MSN, RN]

Knowledge is never wasted.

It might seem like fluff and frivolity but in the end it all comes together.

And yes, I do use theories in my job, especially Orem. Whenever a patient is working overtime to try to get everyone around them to do things they can do for themselves, I remember Orem. Keep the patient doing as much as he can for himself for as long as possible. I first get the patient to do things until I see that they really cannot do it, then I'll step in. But honestly, most of the patients I deal with are quite capable of getting their hairbrush out of their bag and remember to stop at the vending machine before they get in the chair. Many of them have managed to milk their condition to get everyone do things they don't want to do. If I keep doing things for them I'm only enabling the situation.

[SharonH, RN]

yes you do or at least you 're supposed to but you may not think of it in those terrms. for example you mentioned self care deficits, well your job is to assess their functional status both initially and ongoing so you can plan their care and be prepared to suggest referrals like for OT, PT, home health, etc.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I believe people use more theory than they realize. However, the nursing process is standard everywhere and will certainly be on your licensure exam in some form or another.

[nursecass]

Knowledge is never wasted.

It might seem like fluff and frivolity but in the end it all comes together.

And yes, I do use theories in my job, especially Orem. Whenever a patient is working overtime to try to get everyone around them to do things they can do for themselves, I remember Orem. Keep the patient doing as much as he can for himself for as long as possible. I first get the patient to do things until I see that they really cannot do it, then I'll step in. But honestly, most of the patients I deal with are quite capable of getting their hairbrush out of their bag and remember to stop at the vending machine before they get in the chair. Many of them have managed to milk their condition to get everyone do things they don't want to do. If I keep doing things for them I'm only enabling the situation.

NatKat nailed this I think. I am also in an ICU, as a previous poster was, and I constantly worry about safety, ABC's, lines, potentials, etc., but I also use some of the "fluff" I was taught in nursing school. Things like the environment of health (you would be amazed that a tidy room, not overflowing trash bins, and clean linens tucked around a patient will do for families...they instantly think their family member is being well cared for, no matter what else is going on!), and Orem (because not all ICU pt's are vented-most are working their way out of the ICU).

I also have to agree with all the posters about care plans-hated them in school, but now that I'm out I can't imagine any better tool to make me critically think at the whole picture! In my experience/opinion the majority of what is taught in nursing school is valuable at some point...that's why it's being taught. But it does start to come together once you are actually working! GL!

[cherubhipster]

wow, what great responses!! This has been really helpful. I found the "learning to walk" metaphor particularly so, as I can easily remember it when I am in the midst of all my textbooks, wondering when this is ever going to sink in! I wonder when everything begins to click though? I've heard people say it doesn't until at least a year of being a professional nurse, maybe longer... but in reality I bet it is more gradual. Yes?