When you think about the important qualities to become a good nurse, what comes into your mind? Professionalism in the nursing field? Professionalism is necessary for every field but being an expert in the nursing profession is something much more than speaking politely and wearing a uniform.
As a nurse, you will be regularly communicating with various kinds of people, from your co-workers and physicians to patients and their families and friends, all of whom will likely be going through the stress and anxiety that make them irritable.
You may be pursuing your nursing scholarships part-time all the while working through the different long hour shifts and being on your feet all the time may wear you down, and keeping your etiquette during this time will allow you to cultivate good relationships and will help you to maintain your professionalism.
So how you can keep your etiquette all the time? Let’s take a look at each one in more detail:
Introduce Yourself
When you are meeting a patient or patient’s family for the first time it’s always important to extend your hand for a handshake and positively introduce yourself. Introduce yourself before they are asking for your name, or you are being introduced by your colleagues or someone.
Start with a ‘hello’ or ‘hi’ and followed by your name. You can go something like, “Hello, my name is Maria Whitehills, your new pediatric nurse educator”.
Be ready to introduce your colleagues as well. You could introduce your colleagues by their name, designation and how they are going to take care of the patient and all. It is also important to introduce the higher ranking staff in the organization first.
Have a good handshake. A good handshake can mean everything to make a good first impression. It’s a renowned fact that a firm handshake is your best chance to express respect, confidence, and happiness. This will be simple as stand up, lean forward, make eye contact, smile and have a confident handshake.
Maintain a Good conversation
Stay away from controversial topics like politics, terrorism, religion, salary, gossip, medical problems, and dark sarcasm. When talking with a patient and their family, remember that you are the caregiver, try to comfort them and tell them positive stories rather than unloading your troubles and stress on them.
If you are an introvert like me and have an issue with starting a conversation try the OAR method: Observe them, their family and friends and their behavior, Ask something about your findings. And Reveal something about yourself, it may be a funny story you have heard, or a patient success story, or anything positive to comfort the patient. Do not reveal to them anything about your too personal information.
Moreover, nurses could solve the issues faster if they effectively communicate with the patient and their loved ones. Good communication between your patient has also a therapeutic effect, as it could ease the anxiety of the patient and make them calmer during the medical procedures.
Dress for Success
When it comes to what nurses wear, the uniform makes the first impression on a patient’s mind. People do judge you by the way you dress. Make certain that your lab coat, uniforms, shoes, and scrubs are clean, hygienic and look professional. Clothes shouldn’t be too tight or too short. And also make sure that your name tag is visible to read your name.
A study conducted by American Nurse Today states that 73% of patients felt that nurses should keep their hair back and off the shoulder and 91% of patients felt that nurses shouldn’t have long fingernails.
Watch Your Body Language
Unfortunately, if you’re not paying attention to keep your body language positive, it can also result in disinterest, irritation, boredom or anger. Showing even a faint frown while reading a patient’s medical record can damage the patient’s trust and it will build anxiety in them, even if you gave them a positive reply verbally.
So, always pay attention to your face and expressions! Always give them positive smile, assuring nodes and expressions. Make eye contact and face the patient. Remove the communication barriers and be positive, and spread your energy.
Promote a positive work environment
Creating a positive environment can keep all staff productive, happy and hopefully at their job longer. Say thank you to your colleagues and other staff, it may seem simple, but telling your co-workers “thank you” is a powerful word to make them feel cared for and appreciated.
Being courteous and polite to your co-workers will reduce their stress and ultimately you could create a positive work environment where everyone will work as a team.
You could great your co-workers with a warm smile and a “hello” or “hi” when you arrive, and you could wish them a “good-bye” or “see you tomorrow” when you leave. Saying “thank you” and “You did it well” will improve their self-confidence and they will feel like they are valued.
Using polite language, offering to help and avoiding unnecessary gossips are also the best part of cultivating a positive work environment.
Be The Example to Everyone
Medical technologies and treatments are advancing day by day, and a great nurse will have a genuine curiosity to learn and understand the new medical findings. This will also benefit you to improve your skills and give you more opportunities.
It’s good to have keen observation and problem-solving skills in the nursing field. Especially in the field of the pediatric section where the child could not address their issues and emergency and trauma situations, where you can think and act fast and address a problem, and maybe even before they arise.
You may have got enough experience from your ADN, LPN, MSN, or RN to BSN nursing programs to face a lot of challenges as a nurse, but what makes you unique is how you overcome them and present yourself as a great nurse in your field.
