IF MY
STETHOSCOPE COULD TALK
by Kimberley
Ensor, MSN, RN
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.
