I once had a patient that was very upset when they found out I was just the nurse. I am just the nurse that:
- Holds your loved ones hand and comforts them when they are in pain
- Spends time listening to their stories when family and friends are not there
- Gets yet another warm blanket to help them warm up
- Finds beverages and snacks to keep them full
- Calls the doctor to get medicine to ease pain and suffering
- Makes sure that the proper medications are given
- Takes them to the bathroom and cleans up diarrhea all over themselves and the bed
- Checks up on them to make sure they are doing alright
- Makes sure further treatment is given if they start to decline
- Educates them on taking care of their body
- Prepares them for procedures they may have in the morning
- Listens to complaints and tries to resolve any issues
- Assesses them and their condition, making sure they are receiving the care they need
- Advocates for them with the healthcare team when necessary
Yes, I am just a nurse. I am the link a patient has 24/7. I do my best to be deserving of the trust placed on me. Please appreciate the nurses that care for your loved ones, they do just about everything to take care of your loved ones, and often ignore their own physical needs to make sure that patients are getting the care they need in a timely fashion.
