My original poem "If My Stethoscope Could Talk," as it appears in Imprint - The Professional Magazine for Student Nurses
If My Stethoscope Could Talk.
It speaks to my experience as both a student nurse and nurse extern at the time. Its one thing to talk about doing patient centered care and having a heart for patients but do we nurses actually do the things we know we are supposed to do?
This poem is a reminder that we should always strive to give our best, no matter what.
Enjoy!
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Professionalism...a lost art.
Though I was not born in the original "Good Old Days," I am a product of the baby boomers who were. I can't remember a time when my parents were NOT professional. My mother stayed at home and didn't obtain employment until my high school days, but she was always polite and courteous on her phone conversations, even to the phone company. Mom would answer the phone and you thought you were talking to a attorney's or a Forbes' top ten business office.
I remember kids at school would say to me the next day after calling the house, "That's your mom?" I and my siblings never thought much of it. Handle all situations in a pleasant manner, because you gain more from honey than vinegar. Dad was the same way, nice deep, rich voice that always indicated he meant business. Dad was in the Navy for many, many years, then after retiring earned his BS degree and worked for Hughes Aircraft.
So from these humble beginnings I learned to be respectful and speak in a manner that commanded respect. Seems to be forgotten throughout time. Just looking at the commercials, you don't have to see the entire show, you see people trying to talk over each other, shouting out ugly statements, and being disrespectful to not just others but themselves.
I don't understand the desire to present your "worse" self. There is a tremendous statement to standing up for yourself and standing out for all the wrong reasons. I feel weird if I don't say, "Please," "Thank-you," and "Yes and No ma'am/sir."
I recently put in a call to a national business inquiring about a book I wanted to purchase. The salesperson didn't even realize she had picked up my call. I heard the entire call prior to mine, good thing I wasn't a stalker. Once she was done with that call she noticed my line, I guess, and began talking to me. What happened to "Hello, How may I help you?" I did tell her that somehow the lines were on together and she was apologetic. I wasn't expecting that.
Unfortunately that was the end of the professional part. When she couldn't find the book I wanted she then began to talk to me like I was a homegirl or one of her circle of friends. Even when I worked retail, I never talked personal topics to my customers. Some things are meant for the lunchroom and not the sales floor.
I've carried these same principles into my nursing career. We have all had experiences where either another student, a teacher or a patient challenged our resolve to remain professional. I know sometimes health care facilities can be horrible when it comes to professionalism, especially when there are high levels of stress.
One of my husband's friends told us of a time when he called in to the medical office to verify his appointment and the response he got made us all drop our jaws. She basically told him she was too busy and she didn't have time to look it up. He should have written it down. I still feel shock to this very day over that!
I've seen nurses sport the statement, "I'm here to save your a##, not kiss it." A patient that isn't satisfied by anything can make a nurse feel that sentiment, but we must not yield to it. Once we start to turn "reality tv" in our practice we loose more than just our standing with our patient. Our patients are hurting and experiencing uncomfortable situations. I am not making an excuse for bad behavior, but we must not allow ourselves to be tempted with the attitude, "I"m gonna show them."
One of my best experiences was when during my externship and I was assisting with the care of a LVN was in the hospital for treatment and the nurse I was working with let me push the medication. I knew how long to push the medication and keeping my eye on my watch I administered the medication appropriately. The LVN tried to bite my head off. "I'm too slow, do I know what I am doing." To this I maintained a pleasant facial expression, kept my body language neutral and said, "Almost done pushing the medication." Once done I asked her was there anything else she needed, letting her other statements roll off me as if she hadn't said them. To that she said, "No more students, I just can't handle it." I said "Okay I'll tell the primary nurse your request." I went on about my day, a little sad that I wouldn't be able to finish being that patient's nurse but satisfied that I had done the right thing.
The next day, the patient specifically asked for me. My first thought was "oh no she telling me ahead of time to stay out of her room." She actually apologized for her behavior the day before. I was floored. I had seen similar situations where the nurses and the patients were actually yelling and arguing with each other. (That was an interesting clinical rotation!)
Has our love for our technology caused us fail at communicating with each other? Most people don't seem to know how to answer the phone. Am I calling a business, a person or a house party? I once complained on a survey I took about the servers at the drive-thru window talking about everything, and I do mean everything, while I was waiting for my food. Some things just should not be transparent!
I'd rather call you then send a text. I still write letters and send cards. Some things just mean more than an email. Yes, I am busy and have a full plate but some things, like going the extra mile, mean so much.
So back to the topic of professionalism. As I enter the jog chase, I strive to show my interest without over doing it. I've given them my resume, business card and left a message. A follow up email and maybe one more phone call and then I back off, a little. Doing all the right things, but too much can be just as bad and chewing gum during a phone interview. (I would never but well, you know some people..I don't need to elaborate.)
While in school I tried to be an example of professionalism in and out of my scrubs. Some things I do to help me stay professional, even during times of stress:
1)Breathe- Taking a moment to breathe, relaxing your muscles all over your body to calm your body language. If a patient believes you're declaring war, the situation now escalated to the danger zone. Getting your emotions under control will help you come out ahead.
2)Think- The situation is not about me, its about the patient. Give the patient permission to start over with you. This will really help as you continue the nurse/patient relationship.
3)Smile- no not that maniacal one that you see in the movies. Even if you are not feeling it, a smile can do so much for being so little.
4)Take a break- If the situation is getting out of hand, get out of there. Go get some water, call a co-worker to assist or sit in the lounge for a moment. Taking time to remove yourself from the event so you can refocus can mean the difference of a long, challenging shift and a shift from hell.
5)Forget about it- You have got to let it go. When you return to work the next day you can't have a grudge. Going for walks or exercising after work are great ways of letting go.
I believe as nurses, being the front runners of patient centered care, continue to always put our best food forward we'll not only be know as the most trusted profession but the most professional.
I remember kids at school would say to me the next day after calling the house, "That's your mom?" I and my siblings never thought much of it. Handle all situations in a pleasant manner, because you gain more from honey than vinegar. Dad was the same way, nice deep, rich voice that always indicated he meant business. Dad was in the Navy for many, many years, then after retiring earned his BS degree and worked for Hughes Aircraft.
So from these humble beginnings I learned to be respectful and speak in a manner that commanded respect. Seems to be forgotten throughout time. Just looking at the commercials, you don't have to see the entire show, you see people trying to talk over each other, shouting out ugly statements, and being disrespectful to not just others but themselves.
I don't understand the desire to present your "worse" self. There is a tremendous statement to standing up for yourself and standing out for all the wrong reasons. I feel weird if I don't say, "Please," "Thank-you," and "Yes and No ma'am/sir."
I recently put in a call to a national business inquiring about a book I wanted to purchase. The salesperson didn't even realize she had picked up my call. I heard the entire call prior to mine, good thing I wasn't a stalker. Once she was done with that call she noticed my line, I guess, and began talking to me. What happened to "Hello, How may I help you?" I did tell her that somehow the lines were on together and she was apologetic. I wasn't expecting that.
Unfortunately that was the end of the professional part. When she couldn't find the book I wanted she then began to talk to me like I was a homegirl or one of her circle of friends. Even when I worked retail, I never talked personal topics to my customers. Some things are meant for the lunchroom and not the sales floor.
I've carried these same principles into my nursing career. We have all had experiences where either another student, a teacher or a patient challenged our resolve to remain professional. I know sometimes health care facilities can be horrible when it comes to professionalism, especially when there are high levels of stress.
One of my husband's friends told us of a time when he called in to the medical office to verify his appointment and the response he got made us all drop our jaws. She basically told him she was too busy and she didn't have time to look it up. He should have written it down. I still feel shock to this very day over that!
I've seen nurses sport the statement, "I'm here to save your a##, not kiss it." A patient that isn't satisfied by anything can make a nurse feel that sentiment, but we must not yield to it. Once we start to turn "reality tv" in our practice we loose more than just our standing with our patient. Our patients are hurting and experiencing uncomfortable situations. I am not making an excuse for bad behavior, but we must not allow ourselves to be tempted with the attitude, "I"m gonna show them."
One of my best experiences was when during my externship and I was assisting with the care of a LVN was in the hospital for treatment and the nurse I was working with let me push the medication. I knew how long to push the medication and keeping my eye on my watch I administered the medication appropriately. The LVN tried to bite my head off. "I'm too slow, do I know what I am doing." To this I maintained a pleasant facial expression, kept my body language neutral and said, "Almost done pushing the medication." Once done I asked her was there anything else she needed, letting her other statements roll off me as if she hadn't said them. To that she said, "No more students, I just can't handle it." I said "Okay I'll tell the primary nurse your request." I went on about my day, a little sad that I wouldn't be able to finish being that patient's nurse but satisfied that I had done the right thing.
The next day, the patient specifically asked for me. My first thought was "oh no she telling me ahead of time to stay out of her room." She actually apologized for her behavior the day before. I was floored. I had seen similar situations where the nurses and the patients were actually yelling and arguing with each other. (That was an interesting clinical rotation!)
Has our love for our technology caused us fail at communicating with each other? Most people don't seem to know how to answer the phone. Am I calling a business, a person or a house party? I once complained on a survey I took about the servers at the drive-thru window talking about everything, and I do mean everything, while I was waiting for my food. Some things just should not be transparent!
I'd rather call you then send a text. I still write letters and send cards. Some things just mean more than an email. Yes, I am busy and have a full plate but some things, like going the extra mile, mean so much.
So back to the topic of professionalism. As I enter the jog chase, I strive to show my interest without over doing it. I've given them my resume, business card and left a message. A follow up email and maybe one more phone call and then I back off, a little. Doing all the right things, but too much can be just as bad and chewing gum during a phone interview. (I would never but well, you know some people..I don't need to elaborate.)
While in school I tried to be an example of professionalism in and out of my scrubs. Some things I do to help me stay professional, even during times of stress:
1)Breathe- Taking a moment to breathe, relaxing your muscles all over your body to calm your body language. If a patient believes you're declaring war, the situation now escalated to the danger zone. Getting your emotions under control will help you come out ahead.
2)Think- The situation is not about me, its about the patient. Give the patient permission to start over with you. This will really help as you continue the nurse/patient relationship.
3)Smile- no not that maniacal one that you see in the movies. Even if you are not feeling it, a smile can do so much for being so little.
4)Take a break- If the situation is getting out of hand, get out of there. Go get some water, call a co-worker to assist or sit in the lounge for a moment. Taking time to remove yourself from the event so you can refocus can mean the difference of a long, challenging shift and a shift from hell.
5)Forget about it- You have got to let it go. When you return to work the next day you can't have a grudge. Going for walks or exercising after work are great ways of letting go.
I believe as nurses, being the front runners of patient centered care, continue to always put our best food forward we'll not only be know as the most trusted profession but the most professional.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Are you riding the bus or are you under it? by Jo, RN
Oh, office politics: Everybody loves you. You can make a day
wonderful or make a workplace like those on TV shows about impossibly
beautiful doctors. Dysfunction hits everywhere sometimes, but if you’re
working in the Unit From Heck, how do you survive?
My advice is to combine the best parts of both Machiavelli and Pollyanna.
Rule Number One: Stop gossiping. If you have to, listen—but don’t repeat. It’s a good idea to keep your ear to the ground, but it’s a very bad idea to repeat things you’ve heard through the grapevine. Open ears and a closed mouth will help you stay mostly unscathed.
Rule Number Two: If you have a problem with a person, take it to them first. Nothing makes a person more unpopular than tattling to the boss (especially with the boss). If somebody’s been talking out of turn or has made you peevish, wait until you’re calm, then address it with them. If you can’t get resolution, or things escalate, then that’s the time to go into the big office and hash it out.
Rule Number Three: Be pleasant to everybody. When I say this, I mean everybody, from management to the housekeepers to the guys who come to collect the sharps containers. Say “Good morning,” make room for other folks at the coffeemaker, open doors for people. Keep it consistent, and you’ll be known as a pleasant person.
Rule Number Four: Don’t hold grudges. Whether or not Coworker A helped turn Coworker B’s patient but not yours doesn’t matter in the long run. If somebody is consistently acting nasty toward you, refer to Rule Number Two, but otherwise, don’t play favorites on the unit.
Rule Number Five: Be helpful. Set an example for others. (Yes, yes, I know this sounds very Boy-Scout-ish, but it works.) Remember not to let yourself get walked on, but do occasionally trade shifts with somebody or volunteer for a tricky transporting job. We have to cooperate to make things run smoothly, and that cooperation has to start somewhere.
Finally, if you’re working in a place that’s really and truly toxic and not just grumpy, hightail it out of there. There are still some places where other nurses spend the majority of their time snacking on one another rather than working together, so if you find yourself with chunks gone at the end of every shift, it’s time to move on. A grouchy workplace can be fixed, or at least improved, by the efforts of one person. A really toxic place can’t be. Don’t make yourself the sacrificial offering for the cause of goodness.
My advice is to combine the best parts of both Machiavelli and Pollyanna.
Rule Number One: Stop gossiping. If you have to, listen—but don’t repeat. It’s a good idea to keep your ear to the ground, but it’s a very bad idea to repeat things you’ve heard through the grapevine. Open ears and a closed mouth will help you stay mostly unscathed.
Rule Number Two: If you have a problem with a person, take it to them first. Nothing makes a person more unpopular than tattling to the boss (especially with the boss). If somebody’s been talking out of turn or has made you peevish, wait until you’re calm, then address it with them. If you can’t get resolution, or things escalate, then that’s the time to go into the big office and hash it out.
Rule Number Three: Be pleasant to everybody. When I say this, I mean everybody, from management to the housekeepers to the guys who come to collect the sharps containers. Say “Good morning,” make room for other folks at the coffeemaker, open doors for people. Keep it consistent, and you’ll be known as a pleasant person.
Rule Number Four: Don’t hold grudges. Whether or not Coworker A helped turn Coworker B’s patient but not yours doesn’t matter in the long run. If somebody is consistently acting nasty toward you, refer to Rule Number Two, but otherwise, don’t play favorites on the unit.
Rule Number Five: Be helpful. Set an example for others. (Yes, yes, I know this sounds very Boy-Scout-ish, but it works.) Remember not to let yourself get walked on, but do occasionally trade shifts with somebody or volunteer for a tricky transporting job. We have to cooperate to make things run smoothly, and that cooperation has to start somewhere.
Finally, if you’re working in a place that’s really and truly toxic and not just grumpy, hightail it out of there. There are still some places where other nurses spend the majority of their time snacking on one another rather than working together, so if you find yourself with chunks gone at the end of every shift, it’s time to move on. A grouchy workplace can be fixed, or at least improved, by the efforts of one person. A really toxic place can’t be. Don’t make yourself the sacrificial offering for the cause of goodness.
About Jo, RN
'Jo, RN' is the author of the wildly popular nurse blog, Head NurseThursday, March 7, 2013
4 Weeks Later
Wow! Four weeks ago today I had so many knots in my stomach I didn't think I'd be able to drive. The Sunday before the "Exam of my life" I had spilled my breakfast all over myself and my nervous energy was making me wish I was preparing to give birth instead of take the NCLEX,
The word scared was an understatement. Even after the exam I couldn't completely relax. I checked the BRN website regularly until my name came up. As much as I took Nursing School seriously, something about taking a exam that was either pass or fail just created a stressor in my life that I still to this day can't put into words.
Now that passing on my first, thank God only, attempt, I smile today because as nervous and scared I was to have it behind me has been a huge relief. I can now concentrate on job acquiring and being a part of a healthcare culture that wants to put patient care first.
While I wait, I'm not just sitting by the phone. I have been writing and networking to make sure I stay current while I wait. I've decided to not take the "Whoa is me" path and beg/plead for a position. I want to be somewhere where I am wanted and they are willing to support me in my goals.
I am glad to report that my original poem, that I was given the honor to read at pinning, will be published in CNSA's Imprint magazine this March 2013!! Everything is falling into place at just the right time. As soon as I have the link I'll upload it.
Health Choices,
Nurse Kim
The word scared was an understatement. Even after the exam I couldn't completely relax. I checked the BRN website regularly until my name came up. As much as I took Nursing School seriously, something about taking a exam that was either pass or fail just created a stressor in my life that I still to this day can't put into words.
Now that passing on my first, thank God only, attempt, I smile today because as nervous and scared I was to have it behind me has been a huge relief. I can now concentrate on job acquiring and being a part of a healthcare culture that wants to put patient care first.
While I wait, I'm not just sitting by the phone. I have been writing and networking to make sure I stay current while I wait. I've decided to not take the "Whoa is me" path and beg/plead for a position. I want to be somewhere where I am wanted and they are willing to support me in my goals.
I am glad to report that my original poem, that I was given the honor to read at pinning, will be published in CNSA's Imprint magazine this March 2013!! Everything is falling into place at just the right time. As soon as I have the link I'll upload it.
Health Choices,
Nurse Kim
Saturday, March 2, 2013
While I'm Waiting
So as of today I have eight applications in play. I have updated my resume, portfolio, left emails and voice messages with everyone I know is responsible for hiring or new grad programs. I am determined to not become a stalker.
I am not discouraged, I know the position I am supposed to have is there. Read a report today that it can take some time. I am just thankful I have my BS and a year of externship under my belt.
http://www.minoritynurse.com/article/new-nurses-fight-find-work
Anyway I'm keeping myself busy, took a 12-Lead training course and I will most likely do a EKG competency course as well. I am also writing, I have a great idea for a book series. I'll keep you posted as it develops. In the meantime I am excited that my poem will be published in Imprint-The Professional Magazine for Student Nurses. As soon as the link is available I'll post it.
So far I've had two patients: My cat (administering anti-nausea medication) and my son (neuro checks after running into a pole).
Let the joys of being a nurse begin!
I am not discouraged, I know the position I am supposed to have is there. Read a report today that it can take some time. I am just thankful I have my BS and a year of externship under my belt.
http://www.minoritynurse.com/article/new-nurses-fight-find-work
Anyway I'm keeping myself busy, took a 12-Lead training course and I will most likely do a EKG competency course as well. I am also writing, I have a great idea for a book series. I'll keep you posted as it develops. In the meantime I am excited that my poem will be published in Imprint-The Professional Magazine for Student Nurses. As soon as the link is available I'll post it.
So far I've had two patients: My cat (administering anti-nausea medication) and my son (neuro checks after running into a pole).
Let the joys of being a nurse begin!
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