What are you really good at?

[proud nurse]

I'll be wrapping up my 10 week hospital orientation in about 3 weeks. I've worked with about 4 different preceptors. Each one of them has commented that my head to toe assessments are amazing. Most people also really like my documentation. I have to admit I'm thorough. I can't think of a time in my nursing career when so many people have raved about any of my skills. Makes me feel good!

This isn't a thread to brag, but tell me what you're really good at. Nothing wrong with patting yourself on the back for a job well done!!

[OnlybyHisgraceRN, ASN, RN]

I'm good at calming down the most outrageous and anxious patients. I have a voice that is soft, soothing, and calm. Patients hear me talk and automatically calm down. I think its' a gift:)

[wannabecnl]

In school and in my short-lived first job, I was always complimented for being smart. I know it's a gift/how I was born and not something to brag about, but I'm grateful for it; it makes it easier to learn new things quickly and helps me delve into problems my patients are having (especially as a newbie, because I don't have the experience to just know what's going on like the rest of you!). I also got complimented for giving really good, informative, and (eventually) concise report (in the PACU, I gave report 6-10 times a shift, so I had a lot of practice!).

I guess the thing I think I'm good at is communicating with a lot of different people in different roles, including professionals, patients, and families. I had a lot of experience with that in my former career, and I'm finding it VERY useful in nursing. It sets people at ease if you can find a common language so that communication barriers don't stand in the way of understanding and making decisions.

[WhereIsMyCallBell]

I remain positive and handle complaints with compassion and a bit of humor. I am good at making sure the patient, family and loved ones are content and comfortable. I will take the extra time to look into things and follow up, to check on this or that. To answer any and all questions (if I don't have an answer I will get one). I go the extra mile to ensure my patients and their families know I care. However emotionally draining that can be some days. As far as IV's. I have always worked where we had IV teams. On a rare occasion if I have the perfect lighting and hold my tongue in just the right position, I can nab that vein like nobody's business!

[WhereIsMyCallBell]

Kinda like the "anxious" patient whisperer.. lol

[Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN]

Sticking tubes in people, and my calm bedside manner.

[SarcasticLVN]

Everyone should throw themselves a compliment! I like this post a lot. I'm a first year nurse and I have my med pass down pretty good on any station (I float), I am very patient and a good listener and quite a few of my residents have told the don I am one of the best nurses they have ever had, I am decent at wound care and have seen some nasty ones which have yet to disgust me, and I have good time management- overtime is a big issue at our work but I always manage to get out on time and can manage my time well with Meds, treatments, breaks etc even with an admission during my 9 am med ass lol.

[catlove]

Ah you guys give me inspiration when I graduate (going into my last year of nursing) and become an RN I will have a 'special skill' too! Right now I do not feel as though I am good at anything and just trying to make sure I do the right thing and learn as much as possible! Thanks so much and keep up the great work :)

[AnonRNC]

I have wicked-awesome respiratory assessment skills and can spot distress an hour before objective signs surface.

I am a GREAT teacher (student, new hire, patient's family, housekeeper, passer-by). (Just kidding on those last two - no HIPAA violations here!)

I'm honest as the day is long - which conversely means that I cannot schmooze, BUT you can trust me.

[J-Swish]

Playing video games in Peds.

[Mandychelle79, ASN, RN]

Im good at getting patients to trust me enough to tell me what is actually going on instead of what they think we want to hear.

[whitecat5000]

I'm a "Sepsis Whisperer" on my floor. I can spot it within 12 hours of the official signs and symptoms. Queen of the transfers because of it (I'm Med/Surg)!

Also I'm great at patient education. Give me a patient willing to learn and I'll educate the crap outta them!

[hurty25]

...using therapeutic communication with the patient is very effective especially when they feeling down...maybe because i speak softly thats comforting for the patient and being a good listener..