Tag: Nursing Support

Posted on

You Better Get One! A Nursing Philosophy.

Do you have a nursing philosophy? 

“A nursing philosophy is a mission statement that outlines a nurse’s values, beliefs, personal and professional ethics as they relate to the nursing profession and their motivation for being a nurse”. -Indeed.com 

As a nurse educator, I developed a teaching philosophy. Check it out below and I encourage you to develop your own nursing philosophy to help motivate you on your nursing journey. Enjoy! 

My Nursing Philosophy

I am very passionate about the nursing profession and my role as a nurse. I desire to teach future nurses the same values, beliefs, and dedication I have toward the nursing profession. What I believe makes a great nurse educator is their qualities, teaching strategies, and recognition of challenges.

I believe a nurse educator’s character should possess an attitude of integrity, accountability, respect, commitment, caring, managing impulsivity, and listening with understanding and empathy. Doing so, demonstrates the respect for thyself, the profession of nursing, and the public.

I believe a nurse educator’s skills and competency are important, adding the ability to combine clinical expertise with a formal background in teaching for students to be successful. Nurse educators should aim to become certified to rid the question of competency, but display competency in their area of practice.

I believe that successful teaching consists of the ability to use a variety of teaching strategies that promote a learner-centered environment. I believe that students should understand that they are accountable for their learning which will affect the lives of others. I want to do so in a manner that is motivating and facilitates learning.  I believe that nurse educators must assess how students learn best and be adaptable, approachable, and responsive to students.

I believe that successful teaching consists of recognition of challenges. There are constant changes within the nursing profession and health care system. We must be aware of external issues like health care reform, changing demographics, technology, and the environment in which nurses’ practice. We must develop a curriculum that remains challenging while also providing opportunities for diverse students to participate in. 

References

What Is a Nursing Philosophy? (With Tips and Examples) | Indeed.com

Posted on

Do Not Eat from the Same Plate!

If you’re working in the hospital setting, we have all completed the yearly online modules on workplace violence. Obvious workplace violence will be physical and/or verbal altercations, but let’s talk about the more subtle acts of violence, like eating our young nurses up and leaving no crumbs! 

We all start out with the mindset, “I’ll never do that” but if we look away when we see them coming and refuse to help a newer nurse, or nursing student, then my nurse friend we are eating from the plate, too. So, let’s pause and revamp our diet here!

Workplace civility

Let’s talk about the benefits of workplace civility in our workspace. Most hospitals are short staffed, ass backwards, and the list of negatives can just keep going.  However, workplace civility starts with the individual. It is the practice of treating all people with respect and courtesy, regardless of their position or title. 

Why is it so important?

  • It creates a more positive and productive work environment.
  • It can help to reduce stress and conflict.
  • It can attract and retain staff. 
  • It can improve HCAP scores*.

There are a number of things that we can do to prevent eating our young nurses and promote workplace civility, including:  

  • Setting a good example for new nurses and nursing students.
  • Being approachable.
  • Being patient.
  • Enforcing the policies and procedures.
  • Recognizing and rewarding new nurses and nursing students for practicing safely. 

Workplace civility is an important part of creating a positive and productive work environment. By taking steps to promote workplace civility, the patients, staff, and organization benefit in many ways.

Here are some additional tips for promoting workplace civility and not eating our young nursing staff:

  • Be respectful of others, even when you disagree with them.
  • Listen to others without interrupting.
  • Be open to feedback.
  • Be willing to compromise.
  • Be a team player.
  • Be positive and upbeat.
  • Be helpful and supportive.
  • Be honest and ethical.
  • Be professional.

By following these tips, we can all create a more positive and productive work environment that welcomes our new nurses and nursing students instead of eating them up and spitting out the bones. 

Sincerely, 

All One Nurse

Additional Resources

Nurse Bullying and Hazing – The Truth About Nurse Culture | Marie Claire

*HCAP Scores explained- Hospital CAHPS (HCAHPS) | CMS

Posted on

Isolated Patients and PPE! Do you really have time?

The answer is No. 

How many times do you just need to silence the beeping pump, or quickly get a blood pressure? Not including all the other “right quick” tasks that may be needed in that patient’s room throughout the day.  However, wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is not a suggestion. It is essential for healthcare workers to protect themselves, their colleagues, and other patients from exposure to transmittable diseases.

What is PPE?

There are many different types, including gloves, gowns, masks, face shields, eye wear, and other protective materials. The type of PPE that is required will vary depending on the type of procedure being performed and the risk of exposure to infectious pathogens, bodily fluids, and other potentially infectious materials. 

It is important to use PPE correctly (donning) and to dispose of it properly after use (doffing). Healthcare workers should also be trained on how to use PPE safely and effectively. Do not walk in the halls with PPE on. Even if it is clean, it gives off the perception that it might not be. My most experienced nurses know to “cluster” their care in isolated rooms, but it’s the getting stuck in our ways that is not always the best way and can cause the most harm.

Here’s the bottom line, PPE:

  • Protects you from exposure to blood-borne pathogens, bodily fluids, and other potentially infectious materials.
  • Protects patients from becoming infected by healthcare workers (Immunosuppressed Patients).
  • Helps to prevent the spread of infection, reducing healthcare cost, and improving patient safety.

It is important to note that just like birth control, PPE is not 100% effective in preventing exposure to infectious diseases. However, it is an important part of infection control and can help to reduce the risk of exposure and transmission of diseases.

For more information on PPE, please visit the cdc.gov website.  

Transmission-Based Precautions | Basics | Infection Control | CDC”

Isolation Precautions | Guidelines Library | Infection Control | CDC