When was the last time you celebrated good health? If you’re like me, it follows a nasty bout of stomach nightmares when you swore never to eat a table-sized plate of cheese fries ever again. We honor secretaries and bosses; We celebrate saints, explorers, and chocolate — all worthy recipients. But this year, why not celebrate the role of a nurse?
A nurse is a caregiver, a decision-maker, a patient advocate, a teacher, and a manager. And in recognition of National Nurse Week, May 6-12, here are four things we can learn from our nurses every day.
How to listen
Thinking back on your last medical visit, you probably spent as much time (if not more) talking things over with the nurse. “Active listening is one of the most important aspects of nursing communication,” Annettee Budzban, RN, says. By listening to your responses, a nurse often relays questions or concerns to the doctor that may help adapt treatment to better suit a patient’s needs while calming concerns. Honor your nurses this week by listening to them.
How to teach
Whether it’s learning how to maneuver crutches, operate a heart monitor, or sharing tips on how to take a medication a little easier, a nurse is the one who takes the time to instruct, inform, encourage, and support patients. Take a lesson from your nurse, and spend time teaching someone else.
How to manage
A patient’s health history has a staggering amount of details that can influence a treatment plan. “Nurses develop a plan of care, sometimes working collaboratively with physicians, therapists, the patient, the patient’s family and other team members,” contributor Josh Stone says. A pediatrics nurse, for example, will likely be the one to discuss an overdue eye exam or an immunization schedule with parents. Whether you’re managing your parent’s medication regimen or simply managing your own exercise schedule, take a collaborative approach.
How to give care
Nurses are committed to providing the best care possible for patients. But they need your help to be open about your health history. “It’s so important for patients to be truthful about their habits,” Julie Aiken, CEO at Ameritech College of Healthcare and a nurse, said. This means disclosing any alcohol- or drug-related habits, mentioning any dietary supplements or over-the-counter medications that you are taking along with your medications, and disclosing how much (or little) you actually exercise. You’ll find that an honest response can improve your care significantly.
The American Nurses Association says 2017 is the “Year of the Healthy Nurse.” Show your appreciation to your nurses this year by learning from them, and increase your chances of stay healthy all year long.
Amy Osmond Cook is the Executive Director of the Association of Skilled Nursing Providers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about best practices in senior care. Contact her at amy@skillednursingproviders.org.