|
|
|
|
||
by Penny Herchen, RN, post-surgical unit staff nurse, The Miriam Hospital (Published August 12, 2002, Nursing Spectrum) I often say I was born to be a nurse, so I never had to worry about what path to follow. I chose med/surg nursing for its human element, for the opportunity to have people contact, to be a change agent, and to affect lives and health. Med/surg nursing is more than pills, bedpans, and talking with the physicians, although I think some consider it the lowest skilled level of nursing. Even the patients sometimes think we're just a bunch of nice girls, not recognizing our expertise. In actuality, the med/surg nurse must be a Jack-of-all-trades. We must be able to care for patients with diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, post-surgical belly, or specialized facial surgery. We play a big role in planning care, clarifying orders, and catching problems early. We are accountable for care and this does not end when our shift is over. Being a good med/surg nurse is a mindset, it's who you are. To have a gift with geriatric patients is a plus. Skills in assessment and reporting are important, as is a commitment to seeing it through the next day or communicating the plan to someone else. You must be able to fix almost anything, juggle 10 things at once, and have a memory like a computer. You have to care, to remember that this particular patient has a spouse all alone at home. You must have a positive manner and be respectful of all the other healthcare members, from physician to housekeeper to dietary aide. Radar O'Reilly could be the role model for us all! Article copyright Nursing Spectrum
Nurse Wire (www.nursingspectrum.com). |
||
|
|
