The ABCs of Nursing There are a few tricks that will help with new nurses, and serve as a reminder for practicing nurses. A- (Always) there are some things that as a nurse you should always
remember. Think how your patient may feel. What is routine for you, doing an intake and answering a couple questions that your patient has, is anything but routine for them. They may be very nervous, scared, and in pain. As the patient’s primary means of communication in the hospital, you can help ease their fears. Be understanding of how they may feel. You may not think their condition is serious, however, to them, they may feel as though they are near death. Patients often worry not only about themselves, but their family as well, what may happen to them if they are left alone. You really never know how it feels after being admitted to a hospital, so always consider that this may be the most traumatic event they have faced before. Answer all questions, do what you can to ease their mind and make them comfortable. Related: How to Express a Complaint or Concern B- (Be Alert & Aware) As a nurse on duty, you should always be very alert
and aware, and don’t ignore instincts if you feel something is wrong. Being cautious, aware, and alert is part of being a good nurse. If you relax your instincts when caring for a patient, you may overlook something of vital importance, which could put the patient in danger. A well seasoned nurse was working with a patient that had knee replacement surgery. The patient was doing ok, but not quite as good as expected, she complained of not feeling well. Because patients are often reluctant to begin therapy after joint replacement surgery,it's's not uncommon to hear the complaint of not feeling well. The nurse caring for the patient took vitals and checked the incision site, all was ok, and so he left the room to check on his next patient. As he was charting, it entered his mind that the previous patient was complaining of not feeling well, and feeling nauseous. She also complained of a headache and an achey feeling on the back of her neck. Although her vitals were all fine, the nurse had done his job, it bothered him that the patient might not be ok. As he went back to the room, he found the patient clutching her chest; she had indeed had a heart attack. Because this nurse was alert, and aware, he was able to save the life
of this patient. His intuition and attention to detail of his patient enabled him to detect a problem that was non-existent until it occurred. The patient received a heart stent that evening and was back in his room the following day, very grateful to the nurse that she credited with saving her life. Related: Injuries Among Healthcare Workers C-
(Calm) Remaining calm during stressful situations is a great attribute for a nurse to have. When you are on duty, you never know what emergency you may face, even if you don’t work in the emergency department. When you encounter a patient or family member that is upset or emotional, it may be up to you to display a calm demeanor as an example. When patients and their families see, their nurse has confidence that things are under control, it automatically eases some of the anxiety they feel. Doctors often come for very short visits with their patient, and then move on, and it's not uncommon for the patient to forget question they had for their physician. It helps to ask how the patients visit went with their physician. It may open up the means of communication, if the patient forgot to ask a question, you may be able to answer it, keeping the patient calm and relaxed. It's also important during an emergency situation, that as a nurse, and a first responder you can maintain your composure, and do what is necessary without allowing the turmoil to control your actions. By remaining calm, you are leading by example, and putting other minds at ease, just another attribute of a great nurse.
There are countless things that nurses have to remember. There is no doubt this is a high-pressure job, as you hold the lives of others in your hands. You are looked up to by your patients, and the example you set may help ease the patient through the discomfort of being hospitalized, and possibly facing the unknown. Related: Leading Registered Nurse, Linda K. Tilley, RN, will be Announced in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare
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