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7 Things to Learn from a "Lifer" Nurse

Prisca Smith | Scrubs Magazine


1. Lifers are calmer in emergencies. Whereas I tend to still freeze up a bit during true emergencies, the experienced nurse moves with a fluidity and assuridity that is remarkable. They don’t seem to question their actions and I can see how refined their critical thinking has become.



Stressed Out? How Nurses Can Regain Some Calm

#2: Communication That Works →


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    pjmoon322

    over 3 years ago

    2 comments

    Great article. I have 7 years of telemetry experience and love picking the brains of my senior nurses when I can. On tele it is rare to be able to have an indepth conversation but there always seems to be a "goto" nurse oozing full of knowledge. I am sometimes in awe of these amazing people. I am continuously empowered and motivated by the brilliant souls that built the foundation of our profession. Take care of yourself and always be open to learning!!!

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    nursemona

    over 3 years ago

    2 comments

    Know there will be chanllenges and disagreements among co-workers, use the experience you have to develop your beliefs and confidence. Do what's best for the patient. if possible. Stick with the winners in the workplace, learn what they have to offer.Learn as much as you can in the area in which you work through lieterature, books, magazines, inservices. Don't be afraid to ask questions, good nurse are not "know it alls".. Allow yourself to be human, we all make mistakes. Take good care of yourself. Learn to say no when you can't work extra shifts. Create balance in your liffe: work, play, family, friends, the gym, eat healthy foods if possible. Be careful with people pleaseing just to fit in.

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    Barbrn1002

    over 3 years ago

    4 comments

    Don't take yourself, or your job too seriously! If possible, have fun. Life is too short to let it go by while you have your nose to the grindstone! If it HAS to be there, then enjoy those you work with, laugh with your patients (if you can), and remember to find something of joy and value in each day, no matter how little it is! Barbara A. Wickham, RN, BSN, CCRN

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    Account Removed

    over 3 years ago

    I thought your article to be very informative, interesting and true. I Have seen many of my friends going crazy over the new profession for many reasons. I do believe that knowledge, common sense, and love for the career, and good interpersonal skills are keys to succeed in nursing. Thank you for your article.

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    linad

    over 3 years ago

    2 comments

    I am a lifer, sounds like the military :) I graduated with my generic BSN in 1978, so I just passed 31 years. I am working on my MSN just now, but will finish it or bust!!! I have been told that I am very calm. I was a Fllight Nurse in the USAF. I have taught at community colleges and have been an ER educator in a hospital. I have been a charge nurse and a staff nurse. I have had my CEN and CCRN. Right now I am a staff nurse working 8 hour shifts full time in an ER, and determined to finish my MSN. Most of all, I love patient education.

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    natashatad

    over 3 years ago

    2 comments

    Advocation is a word.

    Dictionary.com ....
    ad·vo·cate (ād'və-kāt')
    tr.v. ad·vo·cat·ed, ad·vo·cat·ing, ad·vo·cates
    To speak, plead, or argue in favor of. See Synonyms at support.
    n. (-kĭt, -kāt')

    1.

    One that argues for a cause; a supporter or defender: an advocate of civil rights.
    2.

    One that pleads in another's behalf; an intercessor: advocates for abused children and spouses.
    3.

    A lawyer.

    [From Middle English advocat, lawyer, from Old French advocat, from Latin advocātus, past participle of advocāre, to summon for counsel : ad-, ad- + vocāre, to call; see wekw- in Indo-European roots.]
    ad'vo·ca'tion n., ad'vo·ca'tive, ad·voc'a·to'ry (ād-vŏk'ə-tôr'ē, -tōr'-, ād'və-kə-) adj., ad'vo·ca'tor n.

    I agree that there is no evidence of a word as "assuridity."

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    jginnetti

    over 3 years ago

    6 comments

    Sorry, but there are no such words as "assuridity" or "advocation". Nice article, though. John, RN

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