I see YNP becoming a must-join for all new-to-practice PA RNs
and a model for the rest of our nurse nation.
What was your favorite part of the networking luncheon
I am absolutely, 100%, unashamedly a true nurse-geek! I loved
learning about not just how some of these CAMs have been
instituted, but the impact that these kinds of services are having.
The reiki program alone seems to have increased patient
satisfaction, decreased their pain and anxiety levels, and
simultaneously done the same for the nurses and even got the
nurses more engaged! If I had to pick one thing, though, it would
have to be what I got out of Barbara Wadsworth’s talk. The two
things that resonated with me the most were how she said that
she feels her job is to say “yes” to nurses who want to try new
things and then work to remove roadblocks and support them as
she can. The second home-run was when she laid out her opinion
of the most important things new-to-practice nurses should focus
on in their first five years of practice. Here they are, listed as she
stated them:
• Become a good clinician. Work on skill building,
communication, assessment skill, and build a strong clinical
base.
• Partner with your organization.
• Attitude is almost everything. “It’s all in how you word the
work.” Work on how you speak to others, how you say
things, and get feedback about yourself.
• “Meet the people where they are.” Whether this is a patient, an
employer, a PCP, or a co-worker, be sure to stay on their
level. Don’t talk down, don’t act up, be humble enough to meet
them where they are.
• Did we mention communication? Communication is VITAL.
Especially in nursing.
• Use positive self-talk. Yes, you are going to make mistakes,
but don’t make the mistake of beating yourself up over it. Find
the good in it, even if the good is simply, “Now I know how
NOT to do that.”
• ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS connect with your patients!!! All
the other stuff, the tasks and such, will get done regardless,
ALWAYS connect with your patients.
• Be where you are. Have an authentic presence. Be in the
moment. The people you deal with will notice.
•
Lastly, pick one nursing journal published by a professional
nursing organization in your specific specialty and read it
cover to cover every time a new issue is published. You
should also try to get other professional journals, but utilize
the table of contents to get a feel for what the trends are and
only read those articles that interest you.
At the event, we had the opportunity to learn about
aromatherapy and reiki therapy. Have you used
either of these therapies before? If not, which type of
therapy would you like to incorporate into your
nursing care?
I have received both of these therapies before, and my mother
currently utilizes aromatherapy in her practice, so I get to enjoy
the benefits of her expertise quite often, even if I’m being the
guinea pig! I have not yet been able to incorporate either into
my practice yet, but will be looking for ways to become
proficient enough to use them in my daily practice. Although
not an official topic, the practice of healing touch did come up,
and was described so simply that I have been using it with
quite a few of my patients. With all the intentions of healing and
kindness and well wishes and comfort I can muster, I gently
place my hand on the patient’s hand, or arm, or shoulder, and
sit with them while they talk. I have seen very positive results
and it has been very well received. It takes an extra 30-60
seconds, but allows me to develop a rapport, an authentic
connection, with my patients and that helps them feel safer as
well as more comfortable speaking up and calling me if
something isn’t quite right. This allows for earlier interventions
and better outcomes all around.
Dear Flo
As a YNP, you may have
questions about your new life
and career as a nurse. Who
better to turn to than our very
own Lady with the Lamp,
Florence Nightingale?
Dear Flo,
I am a YNP who is really interested in getting involved in the
legislative process. I don’t have any experience with
legislation or government, but I’m passionate about
advocating for nurses and patients. How can I get involved?
-Becky, YNP Central PA
Dear Becky,
Great question! Even with no legislative e