Growing up in house full of nurses, I learned numerous things from different ways they care about their patient's health but also how nurses and staff should be appreciated more than just a paycheck. I had a simple in and out colonoscopy a few years back; I sent Edible Arrangements the following day as appreciation for their care. I bumped into one of the nurses in the lunch room (I worked in the same outpatient facility at the time) and she expressed how thoughtful my gift was and how everyone loved it. I felt great knowing I made someone else feel good about what they do when they aren't home with their family.
When I was discharged from the hospital that found my diagnosis as well as the rehab I sent orders of Edible Arrangements, again I was thanked by all the staff. I know they get paychecks every week, knowing what they go through myself working in the medical field and then being a patient on the receiving end made me feel compassion for them. A happy nurse makes a happy patient.
What is a nurse and what is expected of them?
A nurse is a person who cares for the sick. A licensed health-care professional who practices independently or is supervised by a physician, surgeon, or dentist and who is skilled in promoting and maintaining health. Nurses are required to be held accountable for every action that they take on a daily basis. This requires constant documentation of every element of their daily job, and following a chain of command within their select position. They are also required to maintain ethical standards within their practice, and to follow all ethical guidelines as set forth by their governing body of nursing. Furthermore, nurses are expected to have a set amount of knowledge before they enter the field of practitioner work, and with that knowledge set come an expectation of competence and practical application. Nurses are expected to be competent in their knowledge base such that they know and understand what they are supposed to in the medical field, and also, are supposed to know how to apply that knowledge in a practical manner. Nurses spend the majority of their days on their feet, which sometimes leads to foot, leg and back problems. In addition, nurses are often required to lift and transfer patients and equipment. Being a nurse is also psychologically demanding, as nurses deal with issues such as illness, violence, accidents and death on a regular basis; helping people through these difficult situations is very taxing on a nurse.
What is a CNA and what is expected of them?
CNAs serve as the RN’s or LPN’s eyes and ears, and relays information between many patients and nurses. Nursing assistants fulfill basic quality-of-life needs for patients of any age in residential nursing care facilities or outpatient clinics. Since nursing assistants have daily contact with patients, they are gatherers of vital information about the patients’ conditions, which they must then transmit to their supervisors. A CNA’s workload can become intense and fast-paced, but the human contact and ability to help those in medical need is a strong motivating factor. A desire to help people and compassion for patients can help a nurse’s assistant get through difficult days. One of the most difficult things for Nursing Assistants to deal with is the behaviors of patients. While most appreciate the help being offered, others become very angry and mean towards the Nursing Assistant. The risk of both physical and emotional abuse is very high in this profession. As with any area of the medical field, Nursing Assistants are exposed to death and dying. There are times when feelings of hopelessness are felt by the Nursing Assistant as they see patients that they aren't able to help as much as they would like to. While they understand that is part of the medical profession, it can still be very difficult to take.
This is not just for nurses, its for anyone who does an exceptional job. Yes people are paid to do their jobs, but when they go above and beyond for you, say thank you or send a thank you card. No one expects these little tokens, but it makes their day so much brighter. After you give a child a reward for doing something good doesn't that behavior normally continue for the rest of the day? Good work is rewarded! This should be a token for life. People "pay it forward" and gestures like that are nice, but a more caring thing to do is tip your coffee girl, give an end of the school year gift to your children's bus driver's and teachers. A free thing to do is a shout out on social media, it brings recognition to their efforts but also drives a little traffic to that company and if they were good to you, I am sure they treat all their customers like that.