3 Ways In Which A Good Nurse Can Become An Amazing Nurse
Whatever field of nursing that you decide to work in, the fundamental responsibilities and principles remain the same: to give the very best quality medical care to patients. It is an incredibly challenging yet rewarding role. The main thing to remember when doing the job is the need to stay professional, calm and above everything else, caring. The job is one that changes all of the time because of new technologies and developments in the world of healthcare, so if you are in the profession, it is vital that you sit down on a regular basis and evaluate where you are and how you can become an even better nurse.
Focus on people, not the tasks
A good focus on the task that they are doing. An amazing nurse will focus on their patients and their needs and wants.
Many patients will be frightened, upset or worried, so building and maintaining a meaningful connection with them, reassuring them and making sure that they feel safe and in control is an essential part of the job – and will make the often unpleasant tasks that you need to undertake an awful lot easier.
Your priority should always be the patient that you are with at that time, which can be difficult when you are rushed off your feet. However, it is important that for those few minutes that you are with them, you should forget about everything else and everyone else as far as possible, and make sure that they know that they have your sole attention. Eye contact as you go into their room or approach their bed can make them feel much more valued and important, and as you approach their beside, introduce yourself and inquire as to how they are feeling.
Refer to them by their chosen name, explain to them who you are. Keep them up to date at each step as to what you are doing where possible. While you are asking them for information or giving them an explanation, sit down – being at their level is a lot less intimidating for a worried patient.
Widen your skills
Career development and training should be offered to you by your employer but as with any job, you sometimes have to dive in and do it yourself. One way of doing this is by completing a DNP program at Bradley University. This will give you additional skills and knowledge – and can help build your own confidence as well.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
No matter how good or how experienced a nurse you are, there are times when you need to reach out and ask for help. This is much easier when you are just starting out, but if you have been doing the job for a few years, it can be hard to put your hand up and say ‘I need some help’, but for the safety and wellbeing of your patients, it is essential.