These are the top 10 rules (in my book) that GREAT NURSES follow:
BE TRUE TO YOUR PATIENTS: Remember why you originally chose the profession of nursing? To help people. Be true to this goal and remind yourself everyday that you are there to provide the best patient care possible. This means not coming to work sick or calling off at the last minute. This means providing ALL care to the patients you are responsible for. There is no excuse for skipping care you may feel is non-essential and don't want to provide because you are tired or understaffed and need to rest. Be true to your patients at all times.
BE TRUE TO YOUR PROFESSION: Represent the nursing profession well, both on the job and in the community. Volunteer and join local organizations to help in your neighborhood. Keep current on your education requirements and job functions.
BE TRUE TO YOUR PEERS: “Dumping” work on your peers or calling off late is not being true to your peers. You expect an honest day of work from them and they should COUNT ON the same from you. Treat your peers with respect and professionalism.
BE TRUE TO YOURSELF: You know your limitations. You also need to know it really is fine to use the word, “No”. If you find yourself stressed out, do something about it and don’t lose yourself in the process of helping others.
WHEN IN DOUBT, ASK: Great nurses are not afraid to admit they are confused or not sure of something. Great nurses, for the protection of their patients, are always willing to ask questions and get clarification.
GREAT NURSES LAUGH AT THEMSELVES: Great nurses are able to see the humor in everyday events and are not afraid to acknowledge their shortcomings!
TAKE TIME FOR YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS: Great nurses understand the importance of a balanced life. This includes AMPLE time for your family and friends. It does not help to work overtime for months at a time to save money for the dream vacation and then spend the entire time you are on vacation in bed with mono!
WHEN TIRED, I WILL NOT PICK UP THOSE EXTRA HOURS: This goes along with being true to yourself, but great nurses know their limitations and don’t take on extra hours if they aren’t comfortable with it for the safety of their patients and their personal health.
PROUDLY BE A LEADER AND MENTOR: Please don’t eat our young! Be a leader to the new nurses or the inexperienced nurses on your floor. TEACH them and HELP them to excel. Both the profession and your organization will benefit immensely when you share your talent in this way.
BE TRUE: Ethics are my pet peeve. Be honest in everything you do. You are human and when you make an error, admit it. Integrity – once lost – is almost impossible to get back.
Nurses, please leave a comment on others rules nurses must follow in order to be great!
About the Author: Sue Heacock, RN, MBA, COHN-S is the author of Inspiring the Inspirational: Words of Hope From Nurses to Nurses, a compilation of stories from nurses around the country, with a sprinkling of inspirational quotes. Sue is a Certified Occupational Health Nurse Specialist and has worked in a variety of areas of nursing including pediatrics and research. Before entering the nursing profession, Sue worked in human resources and equal employment opportunity.
