What can nurses do to better help you?

Kitchell

I am an RN student and I would like to know what the nurses who care for you could do to better help you? I'm anxious to get your feedback! Please reply!

statep58

Hi! I'm a 3 year cancer survivor and will be starting my RN training in Fall of 2005. I've spent my fair share of time around nurses and here are some tips:
`Don't use the pain scale (1-10) on cancer patients, pain you might rate as a 9, I would rate as a 2. Instead ask about the type of pain, where it hurts and what relieves it
`Don't talk to loudly if the patient looks tired, it aggrivates headaches and sensitive ears caused by the chemo
`When drawing blood, ask if the patient want a count down or not and if there are viens that do or do not draw well.
`Don't draw from a vein that hurts when touched- even if it will draw well, it will be painful for days, causing the patien to resent you.
`Don't ask stupid questions like "Are you OK?" obviously if the patient is in your care then they are not OK, instead ask "how do you feel today"
These are just a few tips I can give. If you would like more specifics, feel free to email me at srvivr_2001@yahoo.com
~Cynthia