Thanks to Madeline from Accelerated-nursing.net, this great infographic displays the multiple things that nurses have to be and do to be successful!
Source: Accelerated-Nursing.net
Here are my 2 cents on the infographic.
Prioritizing and multitasking: Just remember ABC, vital signs (+ pain) are the most important. Try to clump tasks together so you don’t waste time running around.
Charting: It is a necessity but patient care is always comes first. Chart immediately after seeing a patient unless circumstances do not allow you to do so (e.g. when all your patients demand your immediate attention!).
Collaborate: You’ll talk, talk, talk about what’s going on with your patients with the healthcare team and put your 2 cents in!
Tough love giver: You’re the pillar of strength and kindness for your patients!
Comforter and Advice giver: I feel this part is not so easy but I try to be honest when I can, joke when things are lighthearted, serious when appropriate, and provide empathy. Some patients and family members are anxious so answering their questions and reassuring them is important.
School doesn’t teach how to deal with
- death – this one is tough but knowing that the patient is at peace and no longer suffering helps me. Or if the death is sudden, then I’ll think of the alternative: if they had survived, their life would never be the same and their quality of life would suffer.
- stress – I always take a break. I ask for help & delegate and don’t stop until I’m happy with the result.
- good & quick reports – follow a format every time and you’ll soon became a great storyteller; also always look at the latest orders!
- prioritizing – the NCLEX drills this into your brain (at least the guidelines). Now it’s just time to put it into action. If there really isn’t anything exciting happening, then just finish everything on time!
- and ill-tempered doctors – this one I feel the younger generation are trying to change this because collaboration is really key to good healthcare. And it’s not just docs but also PAs and NPs. Personally I try to be nice, be competent, question things, and hope they come to their senses.