The nursing field is multifaceted, and while we strive to meet the needs of our patients, we are, after all, just human. Below are four candid revelations from a registered nurse’s perspective:
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We Don’t Always Follow Our Own Advice
As registered nurses, we are tasked with promoting optimal health for our patients. We often preach about the importance of smoking cessation, healthy diets, and regular exercise. However, the reality is that we sometimes struggle to live by these principles ourselves. After delivering a thorough evidence-based presentation, you might find us at the nurses’ station indulging in carbs, guzzling caffeine, or reaching for nicotine gum. It’s a reminder that we are all human. -
Our Sense of Humor Can Be Unusual
After spending hours managing bodily fluids and making critical decisions, nurses often develop unique coping strategies. One of the most common is humor, which may seem a bit dark or twisted to outsiders. Nonetheless, laughing about the absurdities of our job helps us to endure the daily grind. Without that ability to find humor in tough situations, many of us would struggle to stay in the profession. We are only human. -
We All Have Our Triggers
Nurses possess a high tolerance for situations that would typically unsettle most people. Yet, each of us has that one particular scenario that makes us uneasy, creating a sense of dread as we face our shifts. It’s not unusual for RNs to develop a buddy system to tackle these challenges together—like one person handling all the sputum plugs while another deals with compacted earwax. Teamwork makes the dream work, after all. We are only human. -
Some Patients Stay With Us Forever
Throughout our careers, certain patients leave an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. These memories often influence our future nursing practices and emotional responses. At times, it becomes challenging to separate our professional lives from our personal ones, and some patients accompany us home in our thoughts. We are only human.
This article highlights the realities of being a registered nurse, offering a glimpse into our experiences that often go unspoken. For more insights on related topics, explore this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination or check out our piece on couples’ fertility journeys which provides valuable information. If you want to read more on this subject, click here.
In summary, nursing is a demanding profession that requires a unique blend of expertise, resilience, and humor. While we strive to be the best caregivers possible, it’s important to remember that even we have our limitations and human experiences.