Who has had the biggest influence on your nursing practice?

Silverdragon102, BSN · Dec 30, 2007

I would say one of my biggest influences as a nurse would be one of the sister's who took me under her wing when I was a student. Apparently some of the staff on the ward I was on as a student complained that I was asking too many questions and that some of the questions was above what I should know (bearing in mind I was a mature student) She was asked to perform an assessment on me and couldn't fault me and told me about the complaints and that I should always ask questions even if they sound dumb because it would be the only way I would learn and enhance myself. I have remembered this for many years and always encourage people to ask questions and if I don't know will arrange with them for us both to look and then compare notes. I was friends with her for many years and went to her a few times for advice.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Dec 30, 2007

This past year I would say it would be the many students and new grads I've had the pleasure to precept and work with.

Their probing questions keep my mind thinking, their up-to-date knowledge helps me to learn new things, their enthusiasm for nursing gives me hope for the future, their extra set of hands really helped me get the work done and provided that extra touch, their critical eyes prompts me to not take short cuts and their gratitude at me taking the time to teach them is priceless.

The biggest thing I regret in taking the charge nurse position is that I don't get to precept one-on-one anymore. But I have to say that in 2007 it made my year worthwhile.

JennaRN1006 · Dec 30, 2007

When I was a mere clinical assistant, it was the nurse I worked with who inspired me to be a nurse. She, too, went back to NS later in life and encouraged me to work hard and keep at it. When I had problems figuring out drip rates, she would pull a bag of NS and IV tubing and we would play. Many of the patients in our practice knew I was going to nursing school -- they would let me practice my vital signs and assessment skills, so I could learn. I was very blessed to have this nurse in my life and her guidance during NS.

Now as I practice, the nurse who influences me is my CNS. She has practiced for over 20 years and is so smart, so knowledgable and is truly an expert in my specific urology field. She is helpful and a great resource for new nurses and even the experienced ones. You can always go to my CNS for questions and help, no matter how silly or "stupid" (i believe no question is stupid), and she will never turn you away. She encourages learning. I am grateful to have her on my unit.

AliRae · Dec 30, 2007

When I was 15, my 17-year old cousin drowned. He was resucitated and vented long enough for my aunt and uncle to fly home from France (where they were when it happened). I remember driving with my family through the night to Toronto where he was a patient at Sick Kids. I've been a PICU nurse now for 2 years, and I know what a room looks like for a kid who is vented and brain dead. I've taken care of all too many. But my memory of that room isn't of tubing and IV pumps and technology. I remember the sun shining through the window, and I remember his nurse. Her face is a blur to me, but I remember how she stood beside his bed, putting lotion on his hands and vaseline on his lips. "It's a sunny day outside, Johnny" she told him.

I've gotten quite good at death and dying over the last couple years. I'll always take those families and it's because I have a pattern to follow. That nurse has become the standard to which I hold myself in my own nursing. So many times dealing with grieving families, I've thought of her and how she interacted with us and with my cousin during that day. I have no idea what her name is, but she's been my biggest influence. I just wish I could thank her properly.

loriangel14, RN · Dec 30, 2007

As a new grad at 42 I started my first job in September with much trepidation. I felt nervous about trying to fit in with the experienced nurses, many younger than me but with as many as 2 decades of nursing under their belts. The person that has been my inspiration is the charge nurse. She is an example of what a good nurse should be.Ever cheerful. caring, funny, smart, flexible, this woman focuses on the positive and treats every pt with respect.She is never afraid to pitch in on the floor and if you are ever hopelessly behind you can always count on her to lend a hand. She has been encouraging in her feedback and stands as shining example of the nurse I want to be.

allnurses Guide · Dec 30, 2007

There have been so many influences since I started nursing. But I think the most recent has been a student nurse that I met in 2007.

When my grampy was really unwell in hospital, 2 weeks before he died she was on placement on the ward he was admitted to. She renewed my faith in nursing becasue even with the difficulties and the negativity that is often seen within nursing in the UK she provided such excellent care and compassion for my grampy, she spent time talking to me and my dad when we were distressed and it was the little things that made all the difference like her telling us when she was on duty next or bringing a cup of tea for us. She even banished me off the ward to my office one day because she could see I was struggling which couldn't have been easy as I am fairly senior in my hospital and the qualified nurses seemed to struggle to treat me like a relative and just left me to it most of the time. She treated me like she did every other visitor to the ward which I really appreciated

She is qualified soon and I have actively sought her out to ask her to apply for jobs in my unit.

An excellent nurse, who although is only just learning how to nurse inspired me and made me remember why I love being a nurse so much

JennaRN1006 · Dec 30, 2007

Just want to say thank you to Angie for starting a great topic!

It's that time of year again, New Year's, time to reflect and renew.
In the spirit of the season, tell us about the person in your life who has been the biggest influence on your nursing practice.
It might be a special teacher, a patient, or a family member. It might be a total stranger, through books or movies or TV.
It might've happened years ago or yesterday.
Share!

pattycakeRN · Dec 30, 2007

My biggest influence is my mama. She is a nurse, and I have long heard her talk about and discuss the things she believes. The biggest thing I got out of it was, though it seems obvious, "never leave anyone worse off than you found them". I have to tell myself that quite often, because I tend to be emotional, especially if I feel helpless about someone's situation. It helps me to sleep when I get home if I can say that I did everything in my power to be a patient advocate, give them the very best care I can, and that I left them if not the same, better than I came upon them.

I love my mom. :)

Ms Kylee · Dec 30, 2007

My Gramma hands down. She taught me very young how to treat patients with respect and to always make sure you give excellent care.

I remember her in her whites, cap on her head wearing it proudly.

The funny thing is, she never wanted to be a nurse. She wanted to work in retail. My great grandmother pushed her to go to nursing school, and she was one of two offered a staff nurse position at the hospital where she trained. She stayed 40 years and went on to be charge of Med Surg and also house supervisor.

The only bad thing she did was she talked me out of going to be a Practical when I was 18. She said Nursing was going to change, and LPNs would either have to stop practicing or become RN's. As we all know, that never happened.

When I sent my application in for school, I went to the cemetery first and stood at her grave. I talked to her for a long time, and I said to her, "If I'm supposed to do this, Gram, you're going to have to help me from up there."

Obviously, I'm supposed to be a nurse cause I'm still passing everything.

nyapa, RN · Dec 31, 2007

My patients: those who heal against the odds and walk out the door; those who learn to take control of their lives, even when they require many services at home; those who are dying and yet are so strong. I'm learning everyday, and it is wonderful when you see things that happen when you least expect it.

MentalRn · Dec 31, 2007

The person who has had the biggest impact on my nursing career just passed away this year. She was a great nurse whom I worked under for years. She mentored me and shared a wealth of knowledge. I will miss her dearly! I find myself constantly refering to things she has taught me each day on the floor. God bless and RIP.