Writing A Nursing Resume? Important skills for you must include

By Collins Onyango
These days, there are thousands of students entering nursing school each and every year. As more nurses enter the work force, it is important that everyone in the nursing profession keeps their resume up to date with their latest credentials and skills. 

It is important to have not only an updated resume including the best nursing skills that a person can offer, but to also have a resume that is designed to be clear and concise. 

A nurse wants to make sure that his or her skills jump off of the resume page and into the administrator’s mind — the resume must stand out in a crowd of possibly hundreds of others.

Essential Nursing Skills for Resume

1. Assessment skills

Nursing resumes should include a portion about assessments. This is one of the most important skills a nurse must have on his or her resume. Every nurse needs to be able to do a physical assessment on a patient, and does it well.

2. Work experience

A nurse should also be able to prove with his or her resume that he or she is a versatile employee, showcasing work experience in several different types of facilities. On a resume, a nurse should include if he or she has worked in a doctor’s office, clinic, nursing home, hospital, and the different roles he or she took on at each facility. 
Include the necessary details, but nothing more, a nurse should not bog down his or her resume with too much information. It can crowd the design and make a resume difficult to read.

Communicator
 A resume should depict that a nurse is not only a good caregiver, but also a good communicator. Communication is one of the most important parts of being a good nurse. 

The ability to talk with the patient about what is going on and what the doctor is going to do is crucial, and it is also imperative that nurses have the ability to communicate with one another and the doctors effectively. Nursing is a team effort, and everyone must be on the same page — nurses need to be able to relay this skill on their resume through clear, concise wording and a solid layout.

Technical skills

In addition to expert medical knowledge and technical skills, a nurse should include that he or she has quality bedside manners as well. Bedside manners are not something that is taught, but is more of a learned skill. Quietly and subtly mention this throughout the resume, so it stands out as something you are good at, but it does not need its own section on the nurse’s resume.

Expertise and Medical knowledge

Nurses should make sure that they are considered experts in several different areas. While it is good to have a little bit of information on a wide variety of subjects in the nursing field, it helps a nurse to stand out if he or she has one, two or even three specializations. Specializations might include emergency room, anesthesiology, and neonatal care experience.

Creating a nursing resume to land that dream job as a nurse is not always easy.

There are a lot of components that need to be included, and the job seeker needs to walk the fine line of providing relevant details without rambling on and on. 
Being a nurse is truly a dynamic job, and a nurse’s resume must reflect the variety of challenges he or she takes on every day.

This includes not only medical experience and knowledge, but also real world experience, empathy and the ability to care for patients that may be challenging and difficult to take care of. These skills will help any nurse get the job he or she has been dreaming of his or her entire life.

Source

Education career articles 

Becoming Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse: What You Need to Know

By Collins Onyango

Whether someone has been a part of the nursing profession for many years or just now thinking about starting a new career, becoming a certified wound ostomy continence nurse is a wonderful way to gain new knowledge and differentiate in the world of nursing. 
Before deciding whether or not to pursue this path, it’s wise to learn more about benefits, eligibility, course requirements, and certification and find out more about this possible career move.

Benefits

For one thing, credentialing in the wound, ostomy and continence fields means that nurses who do so are likely to expand their range of experience and have a more interesting career. Not only that, but additional certification is likely to bring increases in compensation as well.

The requirements for getting certified in these areas state that the candidate must already possess a license as a Registered Nurse. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs are part of a field that can expect 26% growth between the years 2010 and 2020, which is significantly higher than average. 
They make on average $64,690 per year, and their employability is only increased by a valuable certification such as this one: Medscapequotes a survey of nurse managers in which, all other things being equal, 86% would choose to hire a certified nurse over one who had no certifications.

Considering heightened employability and salary increases that accompany such a position, becoming certified puts nurses in an even more stable position than RNs are already in.

Eligibility

As stated, nurses hoping to receive the wound, ostomy and continence certification must already hold a license as an RN. However, they must also hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing. 

Moreover, they are required to complete one of two pathways, necessary steppingstones toward gaining the experience needed to become proficient in this area.

The first pathway is traditional, and can be fulfilled by the completion of a Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society-accredited WOC Nursing Education Program. That completion must have occurred within five years prior to applying for certification.

The second is experiential, meaning that the nurse candidate is drawing from clinical practice. 
Specifically, it requires 1,500 hours in five years and 375 hours in the last year. 
In addition, the candidate must have 50 hours of post-baccalaureate college-level work for each specialty in which they wish to be certified.

Course Requirements

Education programs vary according to the student’s preferred learning style. Much like other nursing licensing and accreditation programs, the candidate can choose to enroll in programs that are completed through a traditional classroom setting, online, over distance or through home study. Depending on the flexibility of the student’s schedule and financial abilities, these options can be combined for optimum ease and maximum learning.

Certification

The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB) offer an independently certified credential for nurses who wish to become proficient at this type of care. In fact, the WOCNCB offers the only independently certified credential for nurses, according to their website. 
This makes their certification very valuable to the nurse in question and very impressive for those looking over his or her credentials, assuring that the nurse who possesses it is highly qualified to perform duties in the area in which they are certified.

Certification is not required in all three areas. Nurses may choose to only get certified in one area, or perhaps two, instead of all three. Examinations for each subject are separate. Passing the national exam to receive even one of the certifications is bound to improve skill level and expand expertise, which can be added to later with another certification. Schedule exams by looking up locations by area.

So why become a certified wound ostomy continence nurse? Well, for one thing, “Certification is a profession’s official recognition of achievement, expertise, and clinical judgment,” also according to Medscape. 
It brings more trust to the nurse from patients, employers and the public. It represents their hard work and the skills they’ve gained. And most of all, it broadens the horizons of an already fulfilling career in nursing.

Source

Education career articles

Discharge Nurse: 5 Essential Skills Needed

By Collins Onyango
 Years ago, when patients had extensive hospital stays, a discharge manager simply met with patients to be sure they knew how to take their medications and had a follow-up appointment with their doctor. 
Patients are now being discharged after only a minimal hospital stay making the job description of a discharge nurse manager more detailed than it once was.

Since patients are going home earlier, they need more follow-up services and attention paid to their home care. As a result, the duties of a discharge manager have become more complex and comprehensive in order to optimize the chances for a positive outcome after any medical or surgical hospitalization. A discharge manager needs certain skills associated with each duty.

1) The ability to assimilate relevant information is a necessary skill since discharge planning begins with admission screening.

A discharge nurse manager needs to be able to analyze and assimilate relevant information in order to obtain the facts necessary for proper screening of the patient at admission. The screening needs to be done with a view towards services that may be needed at discharge. This includes a review of basic information such as:

• The age of the patient.
• Living status and conditions of the patients such as, do they live alone, do they live in a nursing home, do they live with relatives or are they homeless. Are they under the care of hospice?
• Reason for the hospital admission. Is it for a simple surgical procedure, a medical emergency or crisis, or is the patient a victim of a crime.
• Any other relevant information.

2) Comprehensive assessment skills are needed in order to identify problems.

The discharge manager must be skilled at assessment since a comprehensive assessment is required that builds on the admission screening. This involves a patient interview and review of the past medical records as well as the ones applicable to the current hospital admission.

The assessment includes evaluation of the patients’ housing needs and whether any accommodations will need to be employed. For example, someone who has now been relegated to the use of a wheelchair, but has a bedroom at the top of a flight of stairs, will need more services than someone who had an appendectomy and plans on taking a few days off of work.

3) Diplomacy skills are needed in order to co-ordinate with all involved health care providers.

Many health care providers will be involved in discharge planning including, for example, the dietician, pharmacist, physical therapist and physician. The discharge manager needs to be able to work with all those involved in order to put together a comprehensive plan that meets all the patient’s anticipated needs.

4) The discharge manager needs to be aware of available resources in order to develop an appropriate plan.

Problems that have been identified need to be met with resources to solve them. The discharge nurse manager needs to be aware of what those resources are and how they are accessed. For example, a newly diagnosed diabetic patient may need general education about diabetes as well as meeting with a dietician. A newly bedridden patient may need help in accessing a medical supply company for a hospital bed at home as well as coordination with their insurance provider for payment. The discharge manager needs to know where these resources exist and how the patient can access them.

5) The discharge manager needs good communication skills when meeting with the patient to implement the plan.

Implementing the discharge plan does not mean “telling” the patient what the plan is, but genuine communication with the patient based on their needs and resources that have been found to meet those needs. For example, the diabetic patient may be resistant to the need for diabetic education. The discharge manager needs to use effective communication skills so the patients will be receptive to utilization of the resource and not feel it is something imposed upon them.

Source

 Educationcareer articles

5 Tips on Formulating a Nurse Diagnosis

Collins Onyango
The North American Nursing Diagnosis Association (NANDA) standards are used to write nursing diagnosis in language that accurately conveys patient information to colleagues and other health care professionals. This standard approach to reporting allows information to be easily read and understood by those familiar with the standards. The goal is accuracy and a reduction in interpretation mistakes.

Writing a nursing diagnosis is easier by breaking it down into individual pieces on which to focus. Unlike a medical diagnosis that relates to physician-related conditions, the nursing diagnosis focuses on the items that are of importance to nursing staff. 
The physician diagnosis will use terminology from the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems or ICD-9 codes. The nursing diagnosis uses the NANDA standards to achieve a similar level of consistency.

Gather Information

Complete a nursing assessment to bring together all of the data you need, being focused only on the information and not the interpretation. 
An early interpretation can prove to be false based on subsequent data received from examination or tests. Use patient interviews, physical exams, medical records reviews, and input from other health care providers working with the patient as the source of your information. Include the results from any diagnostic tests.

Get the Big Picture

With all of the data in front of you, get a sense of what is going on with the patient. Think in terms of how various systems in the body are not functioning in a normal manner and in cooperation. Looking at limited information may not give you the clues to the patient’s true status. 
One assessment could be completely changed with the addition of the patient’s blood pressure trends over a few weeks. Another could change with a review of medical records from a previous admission. Have all of the pieces together and look for the bigger picture that represents this patient’s current health.

Find the Standard Terminology

Look through the NANDA list of diagnoses and find what matches your own assessment. There are numerous resources online that list these or your facility may have its own references. Some work places provide quick reference guides at the nursing stations. If you are just getting familiar with writing nurse diagnoses, refer to those written by other staff that has more experience. The goal is good communication, and you may learn some tips from others to create clear and crisp statements.

Write the Nursing Diagnosis Statement

The basic nursing diagnosis is composed of three parts connected by the standard phrases:

1. NANDA-diagnoses
2. “related to” or abbreviated “r/t”
3. The processes causing the symptoms
4. “As evidenced by” or abbreviated “aeb”
5. The observed physiology or behavior

A “risk for” nursing diagnosis will only have the first two pieces without the “as evidenced by” portion. Some health care facilities require an additional clause, “secondary to,” followed by the medical diagnosis.

Examples of the use of this syntax include:

• Imbalanced Nutrition: less than body requirements related to gastric ulcer as evidenced by lost 10 pounds in the past 2 weeks because of reduced food intake
• Ineffective clearing of airway related to accumulated secretions as evidenced by reduced breath sounds on both sides and persistent coughing
• Risk for infection related to possible exposure to a family member with tuberculosis

Medical or Nursing Diagnosis

Nurses are prohibited by law from making medical diagnoses. The intervention in a medical diagnosis is directed by a physician. The nursing diagnosis specifies a condition that can be addressed by nursing practices. Review your statement and ask “What nursing interventions would be used to address this condition?” Nursing diagnoses feed into the patient care plan created by the nursing team. It is important to have a clear nursing diagnosis statement versus a medical diagnosis.

Following these guidelines will help you create consistent and useful nursing diagnoses. Discuss your statement with your peers and learn their own techniques. It will soon become second nature and a part of your professional nursing skills.

Source

Higher Education Articles

Steps in Assessing a Non-Specific Headache

By Ryan Segovich

The following content is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to substitute for professional medical training.

Throughout their careers, nurse practitioners treat patients with all sorts of medical issues. But there are a few patient complaints which come up more often than others. One of those is the complaint of a non-specific headache.

As with any ailment, there are a few assessment steps which are universal and some which are specific to the nature of the problem itself.

For a non-specific headache, the universal steps are part of the episodic assessment, while the specific steps are part of the physical examination.

Episodic Assessment

When meeting with any patient, it’s important to first introduce yourself and identify your role in the healthcare setting. Next, you’ll want to acknowledge the purpose of the exam (complete history and physical examination or episodic visit), and start asking the patient open-ended questions that can narrow down to more specific closed-ended ones. When asking questions, be sure to do so in an appropriate and professional manner.

 History of the present illness (HPI). 

Your questions should start out by addressing their chief complaint (CC) or history of the present illness (HPI). These questions can cover a number of details about the CC, including the onset, location, duration or timing, characteristics or severity, aggravating factors, relieving factors and treatment or medications implemented.

After gathering information, summarize it and repeat it back to the patient for clarification.

Past medical history (PMH)

Next, you’ll want to assess their past medical history (PMH). Questions to ask the patient include incidents of major childhood illnesses and sequelae, major adult illnesses, surgeries, hospitalizations, immunizations, allergies to medications or foods as well as the response and medications, including prescription, over the counter and herbal.

 Family and social histories

You’ll then want to ask about the patient’s family and social histories, as well as their personal habits.

For family history, ask the patient about both parents as well as siblings to see if there has been a history of the CC. Socially, you should ask about their marital history, children and employment history. And for habits, ask the patient about the use of tobacco, consumption of alcohol or use of illegal drugs.

System Review

Lastly, you should perform a review of systems with the patient. This includes asking about their general state of health, any issues with their head, eyes, ears, nose or throat, as well as problems with their respiratory, cardiac or gastrointestinal functions.

Episodic Physical Examination

Next, you’ll need to perform an episodic physical examination of the patient. This will give you a chance to more closely examine the patient and determine what, if any symptoms are present due to their non-specific headache.

You can start by making an overall general assessment of the patient’s mental status.

Next, you’ll want to check the patient’s head, eyes, ears, nose and throat. Specifically, inspect the head by taking note of any swelling and observing facial symmetry. You should then inspect the ears, nostrils, eyes and palpate for sinus tenderness.

Neck

You can then move down to the neck. Inspect the neck as well as palpate the lymph nodes and then auscultate the bilateral carotid pulse.

Cardiovascular and lung functions

After that, check the patient’s cardiovascular and lung functions. Start by inspecting the work of their breathing, symmetry of the action and the configuration of the thorax. Auscultate lung sounds in all anterior and posterior fields.

You should also auscultate all four heart valves.

Abdomen

Next, inspect the patient’s abdomen. You’ll check the gastrointestinal tract by auscultating for bowel sounds as well as palpating for tenderness and organomegaly.

 Neurological assessment 

You can then begin a neurological assessment of cranial nerves one through twelve. These include the olfactory, optic, oculomotor, trochlear, trigeminal, abducens, facial, acoustic, glossopharyngeal, vagus, spinal accessary and hypoglossal.

Extremity sensory assessment 

Motor evaluation

A motor assessment will give you an indication of both the upper and lower extremities’ strength as well as the patient’s overall grip strength. An extremity sensory assessment for light sensations can also be performed at this time.

You should then assess the patient’s cerebellum and gait. Start by observing their normal walking and heel to toe walking. 

Check for Rhomberg and Pronator drift. Ask the patient to run the heel of each foot down the shin of the opposite leg. Check for smooth motion and firm placement of the heel against the shin.

Lastly, test for the Babinski reflex and the deep tendon reflexes of the patella, Achilles and brachioradiallis.

This completes the episodic physical examination of a patient with a non-specific headache. Upon completion, you’ll want to consider all that you learned from both the episodic assessment and physical examination to diagnose the cause of the symptoms.

Source:

blog.chamberlain.

How to Take an Online Test

By Julie McAfooes, MS, RN*-BC, CNE, ANEF

As a student, it’s inevitable that you will have to demonstrate your knowledge by taking tests.

Online testing can differ from in-class testing in important ways. 
Online tests offer unique challenges including the need for stable Internet connections, a lack of a live professor to ask questions to and the possibility of not knowing how far along you are during the test.

The following tips can enhance your online testing success. 

1. Test your technology. Usually all you need to take an in-class test is a sharp pencil. But online testing requires a reliable Internet connection and a computer with appropriate software.If you cannot create this environment at home, consider taking your test at your workplace or library.Give yourself plenty of time in advance to download necessary software and test your application. Keep the numbers for technical support handy in case you need to contact someone for assistance.

2. Don’t cram. The freedom that comes with online learning to be able to study when and where you please puts the responsibility on you to determine how you will accomplish this. The lack of structure may tempt you to delay until the deadline for test-taking looms.Avoid cramming at the last minute by scheduling days on your calendar when you will study smaller chunks of material.

3. Know the rules. Check for directions regarding what is allowable and what is not.For example, can you look up answers? Are the questions timed? Can you change your answer? Do you have to answer a question before you can progress to the next? Is there is a penalty for wrong answers?Once you know the rules, you can make better decisions, such as whether to guess or leave answers blank and return later.

4. Schedule time. There is typically a window of opportunity in which you are allowed to take your test. Don’t procrastinate until the last minute. If you encounter a technical difficulty or other problem, you will still have time to finish the test at a later date.If, for some reason, you miss taking the test, notify your instructor as soon as possible.

5.      Keep pace. You can estimate how long a paper test will be from the volume of pages. But an online test might not always give you this feedback.Seek indicators that help you keep on track by noting what you have finished, and what is left to go such as “question 12 of 25,” or a progress bar that fills in, or a clock that counts down time.

6. Get comfortable. Sit in a chair that is at the correct height and has a comfortable seat and make sure your screen has no glare.

7. Avoid distractions. If you are taking your test at home, make certain that you are able to concentrate on the test and not the demands from children, pets, housework, cooking, and other concerns that tug on your time.Turn off the television and reduce the clutter near your computer. Try taking the test when your house is quiet, such as when children are at school, or after they have gone to bed.If it is difficult to create an ideal environment at home, consider taking the test at an alternate location, like a local library.

8. Stay calm. Most students experience some anxiety when taking a test. In fact, a little anxiety can make you more alert, which will help you when answering questions. But too much anxiety may cause you to make mistakes.Be sure to get a good night’s sleep and eat a nourishing meal before the test.

9.  Organize resources. Your teacher may allow you to take an “open book” test, which means that you can use resources to help you answer the questions.Take advantage by gathering your books, notes, articles and other materials ahead of time. Organize them in a way that makes information easier to find, especially during a timed test. This might mean placing a sticky not on the edge of the paper, or highlighting certain passages.This preparation is also a good review. You may find that by test day, you already know the answers!

You don’t need to try all of the tips in order to be successful. Choose two or three that are easy for you to incorporate into your routine, and evaluate if they were beneficial. Over time, expand your strategies to include more until you are an expert test taker.

Source

http://blog.chamberlain.http://blog.chamberlain.edu/2014/12/02/take-online-test/

12 Easy Steps to Successful Job Interview over the Phone

By Collins Onyango

As a means of identifying and recruiting candidates for employment it is uncommon for some employers to use telephone interviews. Phone interviews are often used to screen potential new hires, narrow the pool of applicants who will be invited for in-person interviews and minimize the expenses in selecting out-of-town will be employees.

It is therefore important to be prepared for a phone interview on a moment's notice because you never know when a recruiter or a networking contact might call and ask if you have a few minutes to talk.

For many job applicants, the sound of the phone ringing is not a good thing, particularly when you hear “I’m calling regarding your recent job application” as this usually means a rejection. However, there are a number of ways that you can bring your A-game on phone interview stage and secure yourself a meeting with the potential employers and maybe even a full-time position. Remember, do not leave your interview to chance – prepare now for success!

I hope these steps will guide you through successfull telephone interview. 

Step 1: Always be prepared. 

If you’re on a serious job hunt, it is possible you’ll receive an unexpected interview call. If the call comes out of the blue, don’t be scared to ask if you’ll need to call back. This gives you ample time to research about the organization, research the person, and make sure you’re at a suitable location for the call. You may also use this time to practice a list of responses to typical phone interview questions. In addition, have a list of questions ready to ask the interviewer and get ready to discuss the role you will play if hired.

Step 2: Confirm and Choose an Interview Space

Confirm all the details including the date, time and who you will be talking to. Select a quiet, private and comfortable space. Send out kids, spouses, parents, pets and significant others and close the door if chosen venue is at home. Then have your resume taped in clear view in front wall or on your desk.

Step 3. Have your application Close to hand

First impressions count and this can imply lack of organizational skills. As in the case with face to face interview, questions will built around your application. Having a physical copy of your resume and the job description may help avoid potentially embarrassing situations such as leaving the employer on the line as you run to try and find it. Also, have a pad and pen ready to make notes and be sure to use a landline, not a cell phone whenever possible. You don't want to have to worry about dropped calls.

Step 4: Disable extra phone features

To avoid distractions and embarrassments that could sabotage your chances of moving the interview process forward, turn off all your phone accessories. 
Most phone accessories can be disabled and re-activated on a self-service basis. Be sure you know whether the interviewer is calling you or if you need to initiate the call.

Step 5. Have Web access

Take advantage of the fact that the interviewer can’t see you. Open up the company’s website window in your browser and have another to the search engine of your choice. But be sure to never let the interviewer hear you typing. Invest in a quiet keyboard or practice the art of silent typing.

Step 6: Listen, focus and enunciate

Ask for clarification if you did not get the question right and speak slowly, carefully, and clearly when you respond. Do not interrupt the interviewer whenever he/she is speaking. 
For good listening skills pay attention to the whole of the question before jumping in with a response to and to be able to think through a suitable response -something you cannot get away with so easily in a face-to-face interview. Using words such as “ok” or “right” at will gives the impression that you are paying attention to interviewer.

Step 7: Be professional

While you may feel comfortable during phone interview, avoid unprofessional etiquette such as eating smoking, chewing gum, eating, drinking or sipping a drink and watching television. 
Turn off the TV, leave the food in the cupboard and focus on the process and your response; as a sign of respect – something all potential employers desire. You could even hold your body in an upright position but don’t be afraid to be expressive With hand mmovements.

Step 8: Smile while on the phone

Your voice actually loses about half of its energy during transmission when speaking on the phone. Smiling therefore as you speak, brings energy and excitement to your voice. Remember, your smile will be "heard" by the interviewer can and make for a positive impression.

Step 9: Always be honest

You'll need to sound as professional as you though you were meeting the interviewer face to face during the phone interview. Honesty will be appreciated; after all, the interviewer is also human and has likely encountered a similar situation. If a major distraction occurs during the phone interview, mention it. Do not attempt to cover up something that takes you out of the moment, because it could make you look appear dishonest and inattentive.

Step 10: Respond with your name

Avoid an awkward start to the call by taking charge and answering the phone by stating your name first. This lets the interviewer know exactly who you are and saves the trouble of asking for you. It also helps to have a “pleasantry in your pocket” if you are ready to go. 
Know exactly how you will greet the caller and start the conversation. Make sure to reiterate your experience, interest in the position, and desire to continue the conversation in person.

Step 11: Avoid talking about salary

Hold off on discussing pay until the end of the process. But unless the interviewer tries to force the issue, keep your answer indirect by demanding to understand total compensation package before stating your desired salary. Keep conversation going on with phrases like, “I’m negotiable,” “I’d rather discuss compensation in person,” or “I currently make X but am looking to make Y”.

Step 12: Send a Thank You Note

Thank the interviewer at the end of the interview and ask what the next step in the process will be. Ask for the interviewer's email address and immediately send out an email thank you note for the interviewer reiterating your interest in the job regardless of how the interview was conducted.

Whether it is by phone or face-to-face make sure you’re in the best possible shape ahead of the main event –and develop your skills before the interview! Always stay calm during entire process to cope with the pressure and be on the right tracks. Good luck!

Read More

1. How to Prepare for a Phone Interview
2. Phone Interview Tips
3. Top 5 Tips for a Successful Telephone Interview
4. 17 Tips to Ace Your Next Phone Interview
5. 9 Keys to Telephone Interview Success

Colllins is also the editor nursingpages

Promote Your Profession -– Don’t Pummel it

By Donna Cardillo, RN, MA

Too often, I hear nurses say, “We don’t get the respect we deserve.” Most of us blame it on an uninformed media or insensitive administrators. But stop and think about it: The way you speak about yourself and your profession may be contributing to the problem.

How many times have you said, “I’m just a nurse” or “I’m only an RN?” These statements imply that you’re in some way inferior and on the low rung of the ladder. Although you may feel that way, stop and think about what it took for you to call yourself an RN. 

Think of the years of grueling education, clinical experience, exams, presentations, and practicums, not to mention the rigorous state exam you had to pass to get licensed. Add to that the enormous difference you make in the lives of patients and families and your contributions to society as a whole. What would this world be like without nurses? 

Think about it, and you’ll never say “just” or “only” again when you refer to yourself or your profession.

The saying, “Nurses eat their young,” makes me cringe every time I hear it. Yet, hardly a week goes by that I don’t hear it or read it on the Internet. We’ve heard this phrase repeated so often that many of us take it as gospel. 
Consider, for a moment, the implications. First, it’s a generalization, and generalizations are never true of every person or situation they typify. Second, don’t propose to speak for your entire profession by making such a statement. You don’t have that right, and it’s wrong. It’s hurtful to many nurses who go out of their way to help new grads, bend over backwards to assist a colleague, and are nothing but helpful and giving to their peers.

Here’s another oft-repeated statement:
“We are our own worst enemy.” 
Say it often enough and you’ll have everyone around you believing it. And then you can use it as an excuse to stay in a rut, be miserable and depressed, and look at your coworkers with disdain. Each time you repeat that phrase, you further convince yourself and those around you that it’s credible.

“Nurses are so passive. They never do anything.” I don’t know whom you’re referring to, but the nurses I know are doing research, writing articles, publishing magazines, successfully running for leadership role, starting businesses, fighting to get a local law changed for more humane treatment of the homeless, demonstrating against unfair insurance practices, and running community-based clinics. If you think nurses are too passive, you need to look elsewhere for your information.

Here’s the ultimate put-down: 

“I would never advise my daughter/son to go into nursing,” or “Nursing is a lousy profession.” 
You may have had a less-than-positive experience in your professional life, but many RNs are celebrating nursing every day. Just read any edition of Nursing Spectrum and you’ll see these nurses on every page.

Negative phrases send a dangerous message to the general public, to others in the health profession, and to nurses themselves. We often don’t realize that the way we speak about ourselves and our profession has a profound impact on our image, our opinion of ourselves, our ability to cope with the stress of our job, and our ability to look upon our profession and our work with pride and purpose.

If you’ve ever said any of the negative statements I’ve described — and almost every nurse has at some point — then you’re contributing to a less-than-desirable image of the profession. You’re promoting a negative mentality, perpetuating myths, and contributing to the problem.

How can you break the cycle?

1. Change your language. If every nurse made a commitment to do this, we’d see dramatic differences. The next time someone asks what you do, say proudly, “I’m a nurse,” and think about all that it means.
2. 
   
3. When you witness negative behavior, consider the people and the circumstances. Don’t indict the whole profession. Be just as quick to notice and point out positive interactions between coworkers. Sometimes we only see what we choose to focus on. When you look for the positive, that becomes your reality.
4. Change the negative images by example. Extend yourself to a new grad or a new employee. Look for ways to help a colleague. When other nurses are promoted to management, celebrate their accomplishment and support them.
5. Get involved in positive nursing activities through professional associations. When you get out and meet other nurses, you’ll be amazed at the generosity of spirit and camaraderie you experience.
6. Start working on your own professional development by taking a class, enrolling in school, or spending some time in the public library. When you take action to improve your skills and knowledge, you increase your self-esteem and feel better about yourself.
7. If you’re unhappy in your career or your job, do something about it — don’t disparage it. You can make a million excuses for your situation, or you can be proactive and move forward. Go to career fairs and conventions. See what’s happening in your profession and what other opportunities exist. Brush up on your job-finding skills and get yourself out there. Is it scary? Sure, but it’s worth it. The only good thing about hitting your head against the wall is how good it feels when you stop
8. At the end of each day, think of one thing you did to make a difference and one colleague you helped. Make this a daily habit. Maybe start keeping a journal.
9. If you’re bored, seek out new challenges. Make a bad situation better, rather than grousing about the rut you’re in and making everyone around you miserable.

It all starts with you. Change your language, change your habits, and change your focus. Do you want to be a part of the problem or part of the solution? The choice is yours: But remember, either way, your actions have an impact on your entire profession.