Thursday, May 30, 2013

If My Stethoscope Could Talk



IF MY STETHOSCOPE COULD TALK
by Kimberley Ensor, RN, BSN
If my stethoscope could talk what would it say about me today?
Would it say that I rushed through my assessment so I could scope out a place at the nurses’ station?
Would it say that I was thorough or going through the motions?
Did I just kill time until break? Lunch? End of my shift?
What would my stethoscope say?

If my stethoscope could talk how would my listening skills be evaluated?
Did I actually hear my patient?  When medications were refused or when the patient expressed they had enough, would I actually listen?
As my stethoscope moved across their body, did I notice a change that needed to be addressed in the plan of care or did I just do business as usual?
Was I listening to my patient and their family members’ concerns or did I just perform lip service as from a script.
What would my stethoscope say?

If my stethoscope could talk would it say that I had my eyes open as I took care of my patient?
Did I completely understand the physician’s orders?  When my patient addressed me did I provide eye contact or was I too busy looking at monitors and equipment?
Did I notice something and speak up as an advocate for my patient or did I leave it for the next shift to handle?
What would my stethoscope say?

If my stethoscope could talk would it say I half-heartedly gave education and explanations about medications?
Would what I speak actually come from a desire to be a help to my patient or just to look good as an authority figure?
Did I form my words to be culturally sensitive or did I disregard my patient’s views, beliefs and preferences?
When I spoke to colleagues or interacted with the multi-disciplinary staff was I a source of encouragement.
Did I include my unit assistants in the plan of care for the patient?  Did I recognize my charge nurse as a valuable resource?  Did I appreciate my unit clerk for their invaluable help?
What would my stethoscope say?

If my stethoscope could talk, would it say that I am an example of patient centered care?
Did my care come from my passion to be a nurse or am I just hanging around for a paycheck?
Did my body language speak I care about you or was I stand offish and couldn’t be bothered?
Was I first to the room when an IV or bed alarm sounded or did I say ‘that’s not my patient and turn a deaf ear and go about my day?
Did I make myself available to my colleagues, to my patient or was I nowhere to be found during busy periods?
Did I take a moment to step outside and let the sun touch my skin, reminding me of why I wanted to be a nurse in the first place?
What would my stethoscope say?

My stethoscope would say,
I bring my joy and positive spirit with me each time I step on the unit.
It would say I strive to listen with open ears and see with both eyes.
It would say I try to be an asset to my unit and an instrument of excellent care.
It would say I utilize evidence based practices when answering patient questions and use simple languages.
It would say I work daily to be an advocate, a hand to hold, and an empathetic ear.
My stethoscope would say I am a nurse and I put my heart into everything I do.
I wear my stethoscope with pride.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

This Nurse is Ready!

Okay I've got 6 applications out there in Hiring World. A lot of hard work and concentration went into each one.  I worked very hard in researching each of the different healthcare companies and each that I finally applied to I believe I would be a right fit for them and them for me.  Portfolios are ready and I've got the questions I want to ask of my interviewers ready.  I am excited about the forthcoming phone calls I am soon to receive.  Watch, they are all going to call on the same day!  First come, first serve!

Monday, May 6, 2013

Countdown to Graduation!

Happy Nurses Week!
With 10 days until Black Baccalaureate and 11 days until Commencement I've been glad to keep busy with various projects.

For NGNA I'm part of the Chapter Resource Committee.  I'm checking with the chapters assigned to me and offering assistance as needed.  It is very interesting to see what's working for some chapters and what's not.  Some aren't functional yet, I hope to rectify that in my area.

For STTI, Gamma Gamma I've running for secretary-elect for the new fiscal year.  I'm the only one running for that position so as long as everyone votes, I do believe I'll be elected.  I plan to learn as much as I can from the current secretary so I can continue to help the organization move forward.

 For SDBNA, I've participated in our Annual Luncheon (April 13th) "You, Me & Us Working and Living in a Healthier Community." It was a lovely event and I was honored to have my poem "If My Stethoscope Could Talk," featured in the program.  This Saturday (May 11th) I'll be attending the "Empowering Minority Nurse Leaders, Breaking the Concrete Ceiling," presented by the San Diego National Association of Hispanic Nurses, Philippine Nurses Association of San Diego and the San Diego Black Nurses Association.

On the job front, I've had one really good interview and I've applied to another hospital where I know I would do very well.  I look forward to starting to work and stir up all the wonderful information/skills/talent I have in me and do my best. Maybe its going to happen after summer vacation so I can spend some more time with my hubby and kids.  Either way I know it on its way.

Currently I'm working on my speech I have to give on Thursday May 16 on the theme "Breaking the Chains, making the invisible, visible."  Its a challenge trying to get all my thoughts down to just 3-5 minutes.  Since I won't be speaking to a "nursing" audience I have to make sure not to be too technical when I am giving my examples.

Just when I'm ready for things to quiet down, they get busy. I don't mind, keeps me out of trouble.
Alright, cue Pomp and Circumstance please!!!