I’m a Nurse, Solution Focused Life and Stress Management Coach and Entrepreneur.
Kathy Parlevliet, the Nurse who knows. Somedays, I definitely feel like a hostess. As a Nurse it becomes part of the expectation. Never spoken out loud, but we have to meet the needs of our patients and families. We have to be cheerful and respectful. And make it appear that you don’t mind no matter what the request is. The truth is that it can take a toll on you throughout the day. There is a contraption called the call light. It has a great purpose. Obviously necessary to get the attention of the nursing staff of a request for help. We then have to answer the bell and respond in a timely manner. And in our world, it is timed. There isn’t a physical timer. But there is a clock. And it is in each room. So, anyone can actually watch how fast we respond to a call light.
Remembering the abuses of a call light in my nursing career. We had to try to make it through our shift. A patient called so many times both day and night, that we had a tally sheet. Now, I know this doesn’t seem kind. But, the patient didn’t feel out of line at all. You push the button, and we have to come. If you are needing the restroom, pain medication, calling the doctor, turning, being pulled up in bed, socks on your feet, extra blanket, reposition the pillow, a glass of water, a cup of coffee for my family member, changing the tv station or the volume. This is a small perspective of our call light routines.
What can we do when this becomes overwhelming? How can you approach the patient regarding call light use? When does your hostess category of nursing feel like it is taking over?
Knowing that we are the answer to our patients world, makes for a moment of pause. Asking another nurse or a nursing assistant to answer the call light for you, can be supportive. Let them know that you are starting to feel overwhelmed. Letting the patient know that you will meet their needs. However, let’s get these things taken care of and then before you leave ask,” Is there anything else?” Let the patient know that you are planning on coming back in 30,45, or 60 minutes. Look at thee clock together and say out loud when you will be back. And keep your word. Noticing that they won’t be left alone for hours, can calm the call bell. Being a nurse who takes time to actually be a hostess for their patients, end us being portrayed as a compassionate and caring person. Our time is definitely limited, so if many wishes are creating stress for you, then break it down. Tell the patient that you will do that task next time or whatever appropriate time required. And keep your word.
Families can be another part of this equation. They often don’t know how to help their family member. Arriving to the hospital and ask the patient, “Do you need anything?” Then finding the nurse is the next issue. How you approach this moment is critical. Having everyone feel that we are taking care of the patients, without a gap of time.
If you are having difficulty finding how to cope with this issue, I am here. The RNCoach.com
Let’s talk soon, Kathy
© 2024 The Nurse Who Knows
