How NYC School Nurses Treat Anaphylaxis
April 25, 2014Nursing Burn Out is a Real Thing – One Nurse’s Story
April 30, 2014[responsive]
[/responsive]One of the most important things that a nurse can learn is the art of listening. I learned this lesson from being on the other side of the exam table. I have to go for surgery, while hearing those words alone can be frightening, I knew they were coming. I know that I need tubes in my ears to restore hearing loss. What I didn’t know was the career advice I would be getting. I went to my ENT doctor who was recommended in his field. I was told by him that in order to have surgery I would need to see another specialist, and also go for all these tests where the co-pays would rival a really nice Coach bag! I knew in my gut that this was ridiculous. (Attention Nurses – trusting your gut, is a future blog) I trusted my gut and went for a second opinion, and I was amazed at what I found. The doctor came into the room, sat down and listened to me. He asked me questions about my life, my sleep habits, he even asked my husband questions. Turns out I don’t need expensive tests to give him the results that a ten minute conversation gave him. Guess which doctor is preforming my surgery!
This tied into how I viewed my job as a school nurse. School nursing offices are busier than ever. We can see roughly 30 to 50 patients a day who walk into our office. It is easy to limp across the finish line and wait for 3pm. I urge school nurses, take a moment listen to what is being said. Listen to what is NOT being said. Look these children in the eye, bend down to their level. Sometimes just asking “Is anything else bothering you” is all it takes. The school nursing office should be a safe haven for students, these kids are often looking for someone to listen to them. When you mute the technology that surrounds us, and focus on the child that is when we see a full picture. We get that history that we need to assess and refer patients. Just like my new physician gave me his undivided attention, I try to do that for my school students. He made me a better nurse who helped me really hear – in more ways than one!
4 Comments
Great blog Maria ! Listening is key in any position. As a school nurse, hospital nurse etc. School nurses are there for kids to trust and go to. I still remember the name of my school nurse as a kid. Bertha ! Greatest school nurse ever!!
Listening can go a long way like you stated in this blog. Everyone who speaks wants to be heard. The worse thing someone can do is assume what another person is feeling; especially in the healthcare field. Listening can lead to accurate diagnosis and treatment (like in your case).
Rushing through the day and being side tracked preventing you from really listening to a sick child could become a life or death situation. When becoming a nurse you are choosing to be there for those who are in need. This is why horizon screens each nurse that walks through our doors to make sure they are top notch! Bottom line is to listen then react. Not vice versa.
Listening is a key skill in any job that is often overlooked. I don’t know how many times I have issues that could of been avoided by simple listening and open communication when information is unclear. Great article.