Want to make sure that you get the best care possible during your hospital stay? Get on your nurse’s good side.
A recent study from researchers at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia found that if a nurse perceives his or her hospital’s care to be “excellent,” that is usually correct—a nurse’s perception usually matches the hospital’s data on patient outcomes and other measures of quality of care. And if a nurse can easily recognize what good care looks like, chances are she knows how patients can get it, too!
So I had a chat with Iris Atkins, RN, a nurse with 50 years of experience who works in the radiation oncology department at a large medical center in Chula Vista, California.
When it comes to interacting with a nurse at a hospital, she gave me a few key tips that patients should remember. They’ll help keep your nurse happy, which is bound to help keep you happy and healthy in return!
First of all, it’s worth noting that Atkins herself didn’t make any crazy confessions during our conversation. For example, she said that she has never treated any patients rudely or poorly—even ones who were difficult.
But based on my experience as a patient and those of my friends, I don’t believe that all nurses are quite as consistent. Nurses are professionals, sure, but they’re also human beings. And when you treat them with respect and ask the right kinds of questions, I personally think that you’re likely to get a greater amount of attention, friendliness and helpfulness in return.
Here’s what Atkins advised…
Ask about your nurse’s personal life. This might sound intrusive, but showing that you care about your nurse as a person (not as a servant) can make him or her feel more valued. Plus, you may find that you have something in common—whether it’s an overprotective older brother, growing up in a small town, a passion for running or a love for cheesecake—and that will create a bond between you.
Make her smile. Joke about yourself…tell your nurse your favorite one-liner…or even ask a family member or friend to bake a batch of brownies for her. And don’t worry about being seen as a kiss-up. Nurses have intense, stressful jobs, so anything that you can do to put her in a good mood might encourage her to come visit your room more often.
Be polite. You’d be surprised to learn how often patients ignore their nurses when nurses enter the room…and then speak in a condescending tone or bark out orders when they do say something. Granted, there’s a good chance you aren’t feeling well when you are in the hospital—but you can say “hello,” “good-bye,” “please” and “thank you,” right?
Speak up—but not too often. You’re familiar with the phrase “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.” That definitely applies in a hospital! If there’s something that you need, don’t expect your nurse to read your mind—ask her about it. Of course, you don’t want to buzz her into your room again and again for nonemergency requests, so consolidate these requests—whether for a room-temperature change, a pillow adjustment, a drink or even something larger like a room change—and then tell her that you’ve saved up requests to save her some trips.
Keep these tips in mind the next time you’re in a hospital. Your nurse can be your greatest advocate—and you can help make her exactly that.
