Reasons Why First Impression Clichés Are True A first impression is in many ways a lasting impression. On average, the first 2 minutes after being introduced to someone, an opinion of that that person is formed, and generally sticks with you. When you walk into to a patient's room keep in mind that how you present yourself, and how you introduce yourself, is going to be how they remember you and think of you. Be Professional During the first meeting with a new patient, it's best to keep things on a professional level. You need to get a sense of what they are comfortable sharing, if they have a sense of humor, are emotional, or looking to you for answers. Evaluate them, and go from there based on your observation. It's better for you to be very professional and lighten up later, than for the patient to think you are not taking them and their condition seriously. Demonstrate that you are knowledgeable regarding their condition, and let them know you are available when they have questions. After that initial visit, when you exit the patient's room, they have formed an opinion of you as a person, and as their nurse, so make sure it’s a good one. Related: The Top 10 Best Gifts for Nurses Be Aware Of Your Physical Appearance It goes without saying that you want to present yourself well, in clean scrubs or a uniform as required. It is also very important how you approach the patient, and handle their medical equipment and personal belongings. Visualize yourself approaching someone while saying “hello, how are you today?”. Sounds pretty benign, but what if as you approach them saying those words, you have a very angry look on your face, and your fists are clenched? Be assured, the physical appearance will outweigh the words by far. When you make your first introduction to your patient, keep both the verbal and physical impression in mind, you will gain the patient's trust and confidence that they are in very capable hands.
Being Prepared Is Important The day may seem like an average day, nothing special that you are aware of, but the truth is, you never know. Perhaps the medical facility that you work at has a board of directors meeting, and they all decide to visit your floor to meet some of the nurses on staff. It may be at that point that you are thinking that you wish you had worn a better set of scrubs, or combed your hair differently, etc. The people that meet you for the first time are going to remember how you looked on that day and time. If you look your best every day, you will welcome meeting new patients, new coworkers, and even the members of the board of directors. Being dressed and groomed professionally will
make you more confident and put you in a better state of mind, making you ready to face the day, and whoever may you meet. Related: Top 10 Tips to Prepare Yourself on the Day of the NCLEX Project a Friendly Demeanor When meeting new coworkers or patients, be as pleasant as possible. It would be nice to have that first impression of you to be a great one, and to leave them thinking they just met a very nice person. It's not always easy to keep your day to day problems out of your workplace, but do your best to leave them behind, and present yourself as a positive and upbeat person. Most people would much rather be around someone that is positive versus a negative person, good moods are contagious. When you meet someone new, leave them with that feeling that they have just met a happy, confident, and well prepared nurse, they will retain that in their mind from that point on, and your interactions with them will be pleasant.
Start each day as if you are going to be observed by everyone. The fact is: you are. People notice those around them. Make sure they remember you in a positive way. You will be confident that you have made a great first impression. Related: International Nurses Association Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter