I recently assumed the care of a ventilator patient with a very guarded condition, and while that may be par for the course in critical care, even I felt like this guy was really sick. Upon my arrival he was stable, which is to say we weren’t actively coding him. But a couple of hours after my arrival I noticed minute changes that caused me mild concern, and I set into action to try and halt them before they became bigger issues. As in us actively coding him.
It wasn’t until things had settled down in my opinion, and I began to update the family on changes that I realized they had been unaware. I mean they were at the bedside while my mind flurried and my body moved quickly, but overall they had been completely unknowing of the thoughts I had thought and the multiple things I had done behind the scenes for their family member laying in that bed.
Nursing is like that a lot, and while we always strive to keep family continually abreast, sometimes we must move quickly. Other times there’s not yet a problem so we don’t state our concerns out loud. And though we always wish to update family and patients thoroughly, some things just don’t ever become things. And it’s because of those little unseen thoughts and interventions that they don’t.
Here’s 5 things your nurse does for you or your family that you don’t even realize.
1. Worry. You will never know I’m worried for you. Ever. I may tell you later when you’re completely out of the woods, but I won’t tell you in the thick of my concern. You need peace. You need calmness and a confidence in your healthcare team. It’s your job to heal; it’s my job to worry.
In fact I will actively intervene to ensure you don’t worry. My job is to make sure things go smoothly, and if they’re looking shaky I’m going to be concerned. I’ll be on high alert, and yep, I’ll be worried. But you will never know. All you’ll see is calm, confident watchfulness. I’m not trying to be dishonest. I just want you to leave the worrying to me. If something is concerning for a definite decline I will let you know, but you’d be surprised how many problems are prevented precisely because I worry.
2. Continuing Education. So I know it seems like I know a lot, and believe me I do, but I’ll tell you a secret. I don’t know it all, and I’ll never know it all. But I try. I don’t just receive continuous education as part of my job requirement. I do it for my patients. They deserve a nurse who knows their stuff, and so that I may give you the best care possible I will never stop furthering my knowledge.
3. Research. Since I admitted to you that I don’t know everything I’ll go a little further and tell you that I have to look stuff up. It’s not that I don’t know my job; it’s just that there’s a lot to know. Sometimes, because of the fact that all people are different and present the same illness in a different way, you may just throw me for a loop. I might just say, “I have no idea what’s wrong with this guy. I’ve got some educated guesses, but I’m not sure which one is causing his blood pressure to plummet.”
I’m going to tell you, this drives me crazy. I hate not knowing the what, why, and how, so I will figure it out. I will do my research for you, and though you may never realize the in-depth internet search going on while you rest, believe me it’s happening. I can’t stop until I can understand why you’re not getting better. And then try to fix it.
4. Experiment/collaborate. Do you know how many doctors are involved in your care? I mean, I’m sure you’ve seen them when they round throughout the day, but did you know that I call them all when I’m worried about you. I even call the ones that are difficult to talk to on the phone. I gladly receive my condescending conversation because I know your best interests are at stake.
I will call each and every one involved in your case, sometimes more than once, and I will ask questions until I get answers. We’ll try different interventions, and we’ll collaborate to make you well. All you may see is me hanging an IV bag, but so much more is going on behind the scenes to achieve your best outcome.
5. Advocate. So while I’m collaborating with the team for your care I’m also fighting for you. It’s just me and you on the frontline, and I’m the one who sees you struggling. I’m the one who knows that ventilator setting is uncomfortable without sedation. I’m the one who has sat down at length with family and knows all the concerns that they forgot to bring up during physician rounds.
I’m your cheerleader, but I’m also your bodyguard. And while I take excellent care of your physical needs I’m also aware of your emotional ones too. I’ll make sure all those needs are met. I will go to bat for what you need, but also for what you want.
So you may wonder how we’re doing all this stuff and you didn’t even know. Well, half the time we don’t even notice. I mean, we do. We know we’re running, and we realize we still haven’t had lunch, but the thing is we just consider it part of the job. It’s just familiar territory for us to be in constant and consistent concern, some state of collaboration or advocacy, and ongoing research and education for your best outcome. That’s being a nurse. It just so happens that the other parts of being a nurse you get to see in action. So forgive me if at the end of the twelve hours I look worse for the wear, but now you know why.
Mary Jane Lemaster, RN, BSN says
Well said, so very true! I hope someday I have a nurse just like you to keep me going, if the need arises!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you.
Rebecca Rodriguez says
That was a wonderfully informative and well written piece! I always knew that a nurse did so much more than I was previe to. I want to say thank you for every nurse that I’ve had helping me or my family or friends during physically or mentally ill times. Thanks for your kind words and deeds, they are always welcome & are needed for mental and physical recovery. I wish that I could formulate the precise words to let all nurses know just how much we appreciate having a nurse in our corner. THANK YOU♡from all your past, present & future patients!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you so much! That means the world to us!
Josh says
Excellent post. I am a clinical nurse manager and I have to say…you nailed it. I want to let you know that I will put your list in my break room for all to read. It is uplifting and inspiring and reaffirms everything we do as nurses. Keep worrying. Your worry set you apart and will take you and your patients to great heights.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you very much!