In a few weeks I will graduate from the BSN program and I have begun to reflect on what I’ve learned and what these four years meant to me. I became a morning person, spent late nights at the library, and became a pro at time management. I made it through stressful simulation labs. I sat through classes and learned how to perform a thorough assessment, the signs and critical steps for suspected sepsis, how to manage multiple IV infusions, how to calculate a drip rate, how research and clinical expertise drives evidence based practice, how to give parenteral feedings, how to do dressing changes; the list goes on. I have learned countless valuable skills but that’s not what I will take away from nursing school. What has had the biggest impact on me are my experiences in clincal.
I’ve seen that nurses are very passionate. We love what we do and have a commitment to our patients. The reaction to Senator Maureen Walsh’s comments are an example of how nurses support each other and respect their profession.
I’ve learned that nurses are tough as hell. I’ve seen a nurse lose a patient within the first few minutes of the shift, get yelled at by doctor, but continue on with her tasks; putting her patients first. I’ve seen a nurse advocate for her patient by staying on the phone with the provider for fifteen minutes until he understood the request. I’ve seen how hard it is for a spouse of my patient to accept that they want hospice care and to explain that I have to fully respect my patient’s wishes.
I’ve realized that as much as patients appreciate the medical care we provide them with, what makes the difference for them is something else. It’s when I communicated with my patient’s care team that he wants to be woken up only by tapping his legs due to his PTSD. Or when I had extra time during the day and sat down with my lonely patient who opened up about his life story. When a patient with macular degeneration expressed to me how much it meant to him that I stood in his peripheral vision so he could see me. Or when I took the time to talk with a patient’s husband who was being inpatient, he began sobbing and explained that he is just concerned and can’t imagine his life without his best friend.
Now that I am almost done with nursing school I finally understand what is meant by, “nursing is a science and an art.” It takes intelligence to succeed with the science and it takes compassion to succeed with the art. It takes both to be a good nurse.