As new nurses come out, I see a difference in training and understanding and without preaching we have lost some of the best parts of nursing despite all the advances technologically that we have. Nursing is about be by the patient, assessing, talking, observing, listening and more. It is not about data entry and computers and machines. Granted we need all the new technology but we need the bedside nurse as well. Medicine is changing and as such, so will I have to in order to stay current. Patients are still patients though and we must remember that. Basics in nursing as well as in life are the mainstay. We can't lose sight of what is important. I still sit and listen to patients and I will always be vested in each and everyone that comes my way. My job is to help you through what is happening now. No matter what age, what is happening in my life, or time of day, I must be present for the patient. Unlike the caregiver that goes home with the patient to follow through until they return for further treatment, my day closes at the end of my working day. I don't just shut that book when I leave though as each patient is important and I have often woken in the middle of the night to think of something that could possibly help the patient I am caring for. To all the new nurses coming up through the ranks, be present for your patients,don't let the technological tools take over for you to the point you have given up your nursing abilities and insights and or course, care and take pride in a profession that has great valor and worth. To the patient, know that I care and I am here for you and your family. Illness is the great leveler! Your looks, your talents, your education, your money, does not qualify you or disqualify you but if and when something might happen, remember that there are those
I am an early bird riser and am most productive in the morning. It is amazing how much I can get completed in a morning not to mention the time before everyone is here at work and I am able to focus without interruptions. I truly appreciate when co-workers stop for a quick update on whatever is happening in their lives but getting back on task gets harder and harder. I find that the age I am at now, I have crossed the continental divide. I am no longer among the young pack and quite honestly there are just a few of us at this stage of our careers. Much has changed, some good and some bad. I am considered an old nurse now and there are days that I certainly feel that. To think that I started back as an aide when I was in high school and now some 40+ years later, I am still here. Nursing has been challenging, rewarding, frustrating, exhausting, and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. When I was growing up there was a series of Cherry Ames books ( she was a nurse) and with each book, a different type of nursing. I have had so many opportunities and different types of nursing that I could probably write my own series.
As new nurses come out, I see a difference in training and understanding and without preaching we have lost some of the best parts of nursing despite all the advances technologically that we have. Nursing is about be by the patient, assessing, talking, observing, listening and more. It is not about data entry and computers and machines. Granted we need all the new technology but we need the bedside nurse as well. Medicine is changing and as such, so will I have to in order to stay current. Patients are still patients though and we must remember that. Basics in nursing as well as in life are the mainstay. We can't lose sight of what is important. I still sit and listen to patients and I will always be vested in each and everyone that comes my way. My job is to help you through what is happening now. No matter what age, what is happening in my life, or time of day, I must be present for the patient. Unlike the caregiver that goes home with the patient to follow through until they return for further treatment, my day closes at the end of my working day. I don't just shut that book when I leave though as each patient is important and I have often woken in the middle of the night to think of something that could possibly help the patient I am caring for. To all the new nurses coming up through the ranks, be present for your patients,don't let the technological tools take over for you to the point you have given up your nursing abilities and insights and or course, care and take pride in a profession that has great valor and worth. To the patient, know that I care and I am here for you and your family. Illness is the great leveler! Your looks, your talents, your education, your money, does not qualify you or disqualify you but if and when something might happen, remember that there are those
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AuthorMy name is Sue Kilburn and I am a clinical nurse breast cancer educator at the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Archives
March 2015
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