Being a Better Nurse

Everyday I try to be a better nurse but my vision of a ‘better nurse’ is always changing. So many aspects of the nursing environment influences this vision of a better nurse. Each patient teaches me how to take care of the next patient. Challenging or unpleasant interactions with patients or families help me to see certain aspects of my own personality that are not conducive to good care. Working with different and unique nurses also help me to be flexible and open-minded. Limited resources and supplies encourage me to think and act in creative and innovative ways. Nurse leaders help to remind me of the realities of the health care system and deliver practical guidance in order to ensure the smooth operation of a busy unit. The nursing environment is so complex and dynamic that it provides a huge potential for learning and growth in all aspects of my life.

Difficult Patients

There is always that one patient (or family member) who is able to test the patience and tolerance of the nurse. I believe every person has a breaking point and when it it reached, that person may be motivated to act or speak in an irrational or uncivil way. I think for every patient like this who pushes us in all the wrong ways, I become more aware of why this patient makes me feel this way and become motivated to have even more patience and tolerance. I'm sure am glad I have trusted friends and colleagues who keep me grounded.

What makes nursing gratifying?

Every nurse works as a nurse for different reasons. And different things motivate different nurses to come to work everyday and make every effort to give patients the very best care. Granted, there are many things that make nursing a difficult job. But once in a while a family member thanks you for taking such good care of their family member. Occasionally, a colleague (perhaps a senior nurse) recognizes the 110% effort you put into patient care. From time to time, patients who have been discharged and are doing well come to the unit to visit and say hi. These are the kinds of things that remind me that I am doing something right as a nurse and that no matter what kinds of challenges and differences may exist in the work environment, all nurses work hard in their own way to help patients recover, improve, and feel more comfortable. Like most things in the universe, there must be a balance between positive and negative, between good and bad, between easy and difficult. Nursing is no different. So to all you dedicated hard-working nurses out there, keep doing what you do, patients need your help.

Who cares for the nurse?

We all know that nurses care for patients in all the ways that matter and more. But who takes care of the nurse when she/he gets stressed or emotionally drained? I like to talk (or vent) to my colleagues who help to build my confidence and help me to be a better nurse. They help me to see the realities of nursing as well as acknowledge the things I am doing right. Sometimes it's so hard to take care of ourselves but we always find a way so that we want to go back to work the next day. Perhaps you have a special way to de-stress after a busy day at work.

Nursing is a tough job...

Happy new year everyone!! So I haven't posted anything new for a while now. What can I say, full-time shift work can be busy and tiring at the best of times (especially during holiday time). With all the health care cuts and related administrative shuffling that is occurring, it is sometimes challenging to remain positive and optimistic when caring for patients. For me, I really value the nurses I work with so whatever challenges I may face during a given shift, I am happy to be at work and I take pride in what I can do to make the patient feel comfortable. Each nurse I work with have unique strengths that make them great nurses. As a team, they are a powerful force who are able to use innovative and creative ways to give the very best care! So let me ask you - what makes the work you do as a nurse worthwhile or meaningful (where you work that is)??

What does "teamwork" really mean?

So I've been thinking. A couple of doctors left our unit and they had very kind and enlightening words of departure. They've really noticed how well teamwork nursing works and how it really benefits patients. To me, teamwork means being able to effectively communicate and work with doctors (and other disciplines such as the dietician and physiotherapist and occupational therapist) to ensure awareness of critical patient assessments and to promote effective interventions which can ultimately lead to faster recovery times or optimal outcomes. They have certainly reinforced my pride in my chosen profession and have added to my confidence in my own practice! They will be missed.

OOPS!

Oh no! I spelled 'heroes' in the title of my last post. So sorry. Hats off to all you hard working nurses out there!!