One thing I have learned from asking experienced nurses, is ways in which you can maximize your potential to learn new things, and stay afloat. And it all comes down to asking questions.
Whether the questions are:
- What is this diagnosis?
- What is this new medication?
- Are there any practice points I need to know for these?
- Are there any side effects?
It has been drilled into us at uni, to question everything that we come across. And it's so true!
Whether you have time at work or at home, is so important to advance your nursing care, and expand on your knowledge.... it's not all about the fun complex medical procedures.
I'll give you an example...
Today I cared for a patient with Serotonin Syndrome. Before today, I had only dealt with Serotonin Syndrome in the community, so I had no idea how to manage a sub-acute patient with this condition. Luckily for me, an ICU nurse had been one step ahead and printed out a BMJ Best Practice article on this condition. It greatly helped in identifying the diagnostic approach, the classifications of Serotonin Syndrome, the investigations needed, and the criteria the patient meets to be diagnosed with the syndrome.
Today I cared for a patient with Serotonin Syndrome. Before today, I had only dealt with Serotonin Syndrome in the community, so I had no idea how to manage a sub-acute patient with this condition. Luckily for me, an ICU nurse had been one step ahead and printed out a BMJ Best Practice article on this condition. It greatly helped in identifying the diagnostic approach, the classifications of Serotonin Syndrome, the investigations needed, and the criteria the patient meets to be diagnosed with the syndrome.
Not only knowing the presentation of a medical condition, but also how it is treated can shape you nursing care to be more patient centered. Also, it greatly aids in the identification of warning signs that things aren't right for your patient, and the things that are expected.
Understanding the treatment plan the doctors are prescribing makes for a happy nurse!
Questioning everything has advanced me a lot further than than being 'just a grad nurse'. With time, the 'common' diagnoses in the ward will become ingrained in my memory, and google will no longer be my best friend!
For those interested, here is a link to a basic rundown of Serotonin Syndrome.
For those interested, here is a link to a basic rundown of Serotonin Syndrome.
You're welcome :)
Now, go forth and study your hearts out!
Now, go forth and study your hearts out!
Nurse KC
No comments:
Post a Comment