Real Nurses, Real Answers

How is it working with doctors?
Amanda: Depends on the hospital you work at and depends on the unit. Once you develop a good rapport with the doctors, and show them you know what you're doing and that you truly care for the patients' well being, they respect you for that. Residents and interns (doctors in training) are taught the ropes by ICU nurses so we all go out for drinks after work. Good times!
Jan: Most doctors I work with spend less time at the bedside than I do. That means that the primary responsibility of the nurse is to observe changes in the patient's condition and communicate those changes to appropriate medical personnel. An excellent nurse is very observant, has great communication skills, and works collaboratively with medical staff to ensure positive patient outcomes.
Does being a nurse mean you get sick a lot? What are your secrets for not getting sick?
Amanda: Nurses do get exposed to a lot of microbes--but we also wash our hands a LOT.
Jan: I don't think nurses get sick more often than the general public. If anything, we are more concerned with prevention strategies and tend to practice what we preach. It's not a secret or very complicated. Simply follow the basics: frequent hand washing and plenty of sleep, balanced with exercise and good nutrition. Avoid smoking, illicit drugs and excessive alcohol. Spend time with those you love and LAUGH, LAUGH, LAUGH!!!
What about catching H1N1 (the "swine flu")?
Jan: Getting vaccinated with the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine significantly lowers the worry factor. Vaccination is the best thing anyone, including hospital staff, can do to prevent H1N1 or the regular seasonal flu. We tell our patients to follow the three-step strategy recommended by the CDC when it comes to the flu: 1) vaccination 2) preventive measures like covering coughs, frequent hand washing, staying at home when sick and 3) using antiviral drugs if prescribed by a doctor.
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