What can nurses do to better help you?

Kitchell
Kitchell Member Posts: 62
edited March 2014 in Sarcoma #1
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!

Comments

  • cassilly
    cassilly Member Posts: 9
    #2
    Hello, I am intrigued by your questioning and have watched for several weeks to see that no one has responded, so...I have been through every avilable treatment over the past 14 years. I have the experience from both an outpatient and inpatient view. Inpatient...a good nurse was an advocate for me, from finding out where my meal was to making sure my labs were drawn. At night, patients are trying to sleep, while staff is having their "daytime" schedule. Respect the need for quiet and work with a flashlight or use the bathroom light to keep the disruption to a minimum for the patient. Read the patient's chart before speaking to them...know who and what they have gone through before you speak to them.
    Always repect their privacy, from you and other staff, their family and friends, and other patients. Do not speak to them in a hallway or clinic waiting room. Try to work with a positive attitude, harder than it sounds, as we all have our problems and bad days, but some of the best nurses I have ever had, were able to come to work focused on helping their patients and were upbeat and pleasant to have around. Hope this was helpful. Good luck.
    Rebecca
  • lfitz6640
    lfitz6640 Member Posts: 2
    #3
    Nurses
    Nurses need to read the charts of their cancer patients..in depth. All patients are not the same, nor are their cancers. Don't just review th "doctor's notes.." know your patient and his or her disease intimately.

    If you have questions...ASK!!

    My son was diagnosed with angiosarcoma..rapidly agressive, rapidly fatal cancer. The nurses on the oncology floor were not "versed" in what to look for..what to expect, and how to effectively treat a patient with angiosarcoma..very rare.

    All that took place was "taking vitals.." no knowledge or perception of what propolatic (sp) care was required to ease his symptoms, and on and on.

    Please ensure you are adequately educated to treat your patients.

    Thank you..

Discussion Boards