A Great Nurse

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Nursing is a great profession which creates a feeling of fulfillment by caring for others, while simultaneously growing personally, and professionally. It is one of the most honest, rewarding, and ethical professions which provide a plethora of opportunities. Nurses have various reasons for entering the profession, but regardless of the reason, individuals should possess several key qualities in order to be a great nurse. Below are a few of the key qualities a great nurse should possess.  

Caring

A nurse must have this important quality in order to provide high quality patient care. Firstly, individuals must care for themselves, to be able to effectively care for others. A nurse should have the ability to display kindness, and a genuine concern for others. Caring can be displayed through being helpful, affectionate, sympathetic, as well as being empathetic.

Communication Skills

Another key attribute is being a great communicator. Providing patient-centered care involves collaboration, therefore it is imperative that nurses possess not only excellent communication skills, but also great interpersonal skills. Nurses must be aware of the “5 Ws” of communicating: (1) why, (2) what, (3) when, (4) to whom, and (5) what way (channel). Communication should be concise and should include all the pertinent information. Remember to utilize communication tools, such as SBAR. 

Passion

There should be a burning desire to be the best nurse you can be. Passion should last throughout one’s career and should not be wavering. Often, the enthusiasm is lost due to various experiences, such as: life and work challenges or work-place culture. If you have lost your passion for nursing, do not give up, seek ways to reignite your passion. Remember experiences throughout your career which inspired you, and try to reinvent them, also surround yourself with others who are passionate about the profession. Excitement and enthusiasm should be on a nonstop continuum throughout your nursing career.

Detail Oriented

 A detailed oriented nurse is focused, performs thorough assessments, and has the ability to recognize subtle changes in patients’ condition.  They are organized, knowledgeable, and are proactive. Also, a detailed oriented nurse’s actions are less likely to cause harm.

Critical Thinking Skills

This skill is extremely valuable for decision making while providing care. Nurses should possess a strong knowledge base and should be able to make systematic and logical decisions based on their astute judgement. Nursing is ever evolving, and so it is pertinent to stay current. Critical thinking is required to quickly analyze various scenarios and determine the best solutions that will result in optimal patient outcomes.

A nurse’s purpose is to positively impact lives. Nurses require integrity and courage to provide exemplar and compassionate care to those in need.  These qualities may not be innate, however many can be acquired through a conscious effort and personal growth. Recognize your qualities, embrace them, and make them your strengths. Be patient, and realize that as a part of self-development, and a yearning to function at your fullest potential, you will acquire all the acumens to make you the best you can be. A great nurse is a life-long learner, who brings their best qualities, knowledge, and skills in their work environment, and helps to create memories with patients, their families, and loved ones. 

Transitioning

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Whether you are a new graduate or an experienced nurse, at some point in your career you will transition. Nursing is a great profession which offers a vast range of career opportunities and allows nurses the ability to transition into various roles and settings. Transitioning occurs during various stages of a nurse’s career: inexperienced new graduates, skilled registered nurses, and advanced practice nurses, transition.  Some nurses elect to remain in their specialty for years, others opt to change role or specialty frequently. Reasons for transitioning are usually related to both personal and professional reasons and may include: improved work-life balance; better work hours; flexible work arrangements; different setting; a new role: reaching a plateau in your current position; feeling undervalued in your current role and, last but not least, burn-out.

In preparing for the transition, first, one should perform a self-evaluation and purposefully examine the reasons for the change. Transitioning sometimes result in moving from an expert to a novice role, however this should not be viewed as a barrier. “Sometimes to move forward, it requires that you take a few steps backward”, and this is ok. Once self-evaluation is completed, and an area of preference is defined, you may then begin a comprehensive inquiry. Explore your options and research specialties, roles, organizations, and role requirements. Search job-sites and utilize social media sites to engage with other nurses in other specialties. Networking is fundamental for successful transitioning. It allows you to gain relevant insights and provides you with invaluable opportunities to prepare for career goals. Recognize, also, that some positions may require additional education. Update your resume, contact recruiters, and ask to shadow providers in the area of interest. These steps will help to guide your decision process, in choosing a specialty that befits your personality and aligns with your career goal.

Change is daunting, as we are taken out of our comfort zone, however, note that change precedes growth. The process may be overwhelming, and seem impossible, however it is achievable. Fear of the unknown can be gut -wrenching and paralyzing, however reframe your thought process, and channel your fear into a driving force. Seek guidance from your colleagues or find a mentor to help you to navigate through the process. Continue to be supportive of each other, and remember that progress is impossible without change.

Stay FAB: Fearless, Affectionate, & Bold

 

Code Status

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Code status refers to the level of “medical intervention” a patient wishes to have implemented in the event of a cardiopulmonary arrest. Discussions are sometimes brief, and excludes the necessary elements to promote patient’s autonomy. Code status should be addressed early on, particularly in the outpatient setting, and as well as during the admission process. Frequently, clinicians have a tendency to avoid these discussions due to time constraints, and other factors. However, the lack of effective communication can compromise care, and may lead to needless anguish to patients and their families.

Establishing the patient's desires with respect to resuscitation is extremely important. The challenges encountered by all parties involved in a medical emergency can be daunting. If a cardiopulmonary arrest occurs, there is no opportunity to ask the patient, their wishes, therefore it is imperative that a code status is in place. Individuals should be active participants in their decision making. They may choose to be Full Code or Do Not Resuscitate (DNR), which may also be documented on a form known as a Physician’s Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST. The POLST form summarizes the patients’ treatment desires in the event of a medical emergency, where the patient is unable to speak for him /herself. Patients may also have an advance directive which is a legal document with varying governing laws from state to state. An advance directive allows individuals to document future medical care, if they are unable to communicate, for reason such as coma, or too ill to speak. Both documents are not set in stone, and patients may revise and update the contents as often as they wish.

Although we may have various biases in regards to code status, such as age, and the patient’s presenting clinical status, the patient’s decision should always be respected. Remember it is not our decision to make. The role as providers is to be respectful, and uphold the wishes of the patients. Nurses play a crucial role in caring for patients, and ensuring that providers carry out the wishes of patients and families. A key component in providing appropriate care, is having a clear understanding of the patient’s wishes and confirming that the patient’s wishes are aligned with the plan of care. Nurses should also seek clarification for ambiguous language, and be familiar with advance directives in place. Finally, continue to advocate on your patient’s behalf and remember that you are, and will always be an integral part in providing high quality patient-centered care.

Stay FAB: Fearless, Affectionate, and Bold

Mentoring

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Mentoring is a process in which an experienced individual helps another person develop his or her goals and skills. In nursing, mentoring helps the novice nurse orient and acclimate in their new roles. Through mentoring, individuals are able to gain knowledge, insights, and skills, to help in achieving professional as well as personal goals. Mentoring supports, guides, and motivates individuals to maximize their potential to succeed. Through mentoring, individuals can obtain assistance with exploring careers, setting goals, and identifying pertinent resources. The mentoring role may change as the needs of the mentee change. Some mentoring relationships are part of a structured program that have specific expectations, while others are more informal.

American Psychological Association lists characteristics of effective mentoring to include the ability and willingness to: value the mentee as a person; develop mutual trust and respect; maintain confidentiality; listen both to what is being said and how it is being said; help the mentee solve his or her own problem, rather than give direction; focus on the mentee's development and resist the urge to produce a clone.

Additionally, an influential mentor should: approach each mentorship differently; determine goals or objectives collaboratively in the very beginning; have a vested interest in the mentee as a person; gauge when to give advice; ask questions instead of assuming; and never assume anything about your mentee, ask. 

Mentees are not the only people who benefit from mentoring. Mentors also may simultaneously improve their own skills. Mentoring is important, not only because of the knowledge and skills learnt, but also because mentoring provides personal support to facilitate success, and is a great way to give back. Finally, pursuing mentoring shows growth, and should not evoke feelings of inadequacy.

Stay FAB: Fearless, Affectionate, and Bold

Protocols and Nursing

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Health organizations, and agencies create protocols to promote consistency, accountability, and high quality care. Protocols are tailored to the different clinical areas and may delineate skills, assessment, treatments and channels of communication. They are integrated into organizations to assist healthcare providers in rendering evidenced-based patient care, and also to enhance favorable patients’ outcomes.

Nurses are educated in the nursing process, which entails methodical steps to provide patient care and includes: assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Nurses are trained to recognize patients’ symptoms, and to administer treatments within their scope of practice. To effectively employ protocols, nurses must acquire and apply critical thinking skills. Nurses are challenged daily with various situations, requiring rapid appropriate assessments and, initiating appropriate treatments. Critical thinking skills are essential, especially with today’s complex healthcare system. Some nurses may acquire critical thinking skills faster than others, however with practice, comes growth. Critical thinking skills can also be gained through self- learning, and utilizing available resources and peers. Nurses remain an integral part of patient care, and are entrusted with the task of making the best decisions for their patients.   Protocols are imperative in the healthcare system, however has led to “protocol driven nursing”. Nevertheless, protocols should not negate the responsibility of one using his or her best judgement.

Nurses have professional responsibilities to adhere to organizational protocols, however they should continue to: thoroughly assess patients, communicate to appropriate personnel, and proficiently administer treatments. Protocols should be used to guide nursing actions, and not solely to dictate how care is provided.  It is critical that nurses continue to use: their best judgement, nursing intuition, and critical thinking skills to provide high quality care which will result in the best patient outcome.

Stay FAB: Fearless, Affectionate, and Bold

Advance or Not

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Nurses are fortunate to be able to enter the profession via multiple education pathways. Healthcare needs have become more complex and require advanced knowledge, and training to provide high quality patient- centered care. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommended improving the educational system, and a more educated work-force , precisely, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).  Many institutions are now requiring nurses to obtain a BSN for entry level positions.

In addition to obtaining a BSN, many nurses have chosen to pursue advanced degree, at different stages of their careers. The choice should be based on the individual’s desire, their future goals, and opportunities. Several factors must be taken into consideration, such as timing, cost, rewards, and benefits. For nurses who have spent many years at the bedside, they have the opportunity to gain more knowledge, experience, confidence, and skills in transitioning to their new role.

Many nurses aspire to expand their roles and scope of practice, by obtaining an advanced degree. Attaining an advanced degree gives nurses the opportunity to enhance their knowledge, skills, and experience, while simultaneously; achieving personal goals and a level of self-fulfillment   Nurses are positioned to tremendously influence the lives of patients, change patients’ outcomes, and most importantly transform the profession. Nevertheless, there are nurses who are hesitant in advancing their degree for numerous reasons; of which the most common is compensation. In May 2018, The Bureau of Labor reported that nurse practitioners’ median annual salary was $113,930. Factoring geographic locations, the advanced practice nurses’ salaries are still not where they should be, which can be discouraging. Despite the many shortcomings, nursing is still one of the most rewarding professions.

In preparing for your advanced degree, I suggest that you first, acquire substantial experience, and thoroughly research the different programs that align with your needs. Finally, during the decision process, I encourage you to focus on your passion and goals, and not on financial gain. 

Stay FAB: Fearless, Affectionate and Bold

Empathy

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Simply stated, empathy is being able to understand and share the feelings of others. It is an important attribute of healthcare providers, and is a key component in providing care to our patients. Our patients must be engaged with empathy, to foster improved patients’ communication and satisfaction. Additionally, engaging empathy also supports positive patients’ health outcomes. Being empathetic, shows caring, compassion, and understanding of the patient’s perspective. It allows us to make connections, which help to increase our awareness in assessing the needs of our patients, and aid in formulating appropriate patient-centered care.

Facilitating empathy enables us to recognize and acknowledge others’ fear, ambivalence, pain, and worry. An empathic approach can be a simple touch, making eye contact, or giving a gentle hug. Sometimes, empathy takes us to the level of immense vulnerability, resulting in many different emotions. We should permit ourselves to be vulnerable.

Sometimes experiences cause us to be detached from our emotions and not exhibit empathy. When we acknowledge the lack of empathy, we may need to ‘examine our biases, and walk in others ‘shoes. It is imperative that we champion a culture of empathy, which helps us to be better listeners, build trust, and develop stronger relationships.

Stay FAB: Fearless, Affectionate and Bold

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Self-Care

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Creating a work- life balance, is an important aspect of effective self-care, however for most individuals, achieving this goal is a constant challenge. Life is demanding, and we are compelled to function effectively in our many roles, as an employee, spouse, caregiver, and parent. As we navigate through our many roles and responsibilities, we often neglect caring for ourselves.

Self-care should be a deliberate, continuous process to attend to our emotional, mental, spiritual and physical needs. Effective self-care should be proactive and not reactive. We should be constantly engaged in caring for ourselves, in both the professional and personal settings. There are various tools and strategies that can be utilized to achieve efficacious self-care such as: maintaining healthy relationships with families, friends, and coworkers; delegating, setting boundaries, and accessing available resources for assistance and support. Additionally, fostering positive work and home environment, practicing healthy eating habits, obtaining adequate sleep, exercising, and meditating also contribute to successful self-care.

Functioning at our fullest potential requires that we are mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually healthy. It is imperative that we engage in mindfulness, and enhance our awareness of our total being. This practice will allow us to immediately recognize, and address any deviation from our norm. A personalized plan should be created, implemented, and incorporated into our daily routine. Remember that self-care should not be for a moment, it should be a lifestyle. We should utilize pertinent tools and strategies to empower ourselves to be our best. Today, begin the journey in embracing, achieving and maintaining the best “you”.

Stay FAB: Fearless, Affectionate, and Bold