One Lesson

What is the one great lesson that you have learned or are still learning as a nurse/student?
two lessons really1) it is nice to work with smart people2) you cannot cure stupid (not co-workers)

Be honest, if you don't know something do not try to bull **** your way out. My catch phrase for school has become "I'm not sure, but I can find out."

you can please all of the people some of the time and some of the people all of the time, but you can never please all of the people all of the timeif it ain't broke, don't fix itthere's always something to learnI need to treat myself as I would expect myself to treat othersI must stand up for the underdogOops, that was quite a few more than one!

Not a nurse, but I have learned this in life....Accept conditions as they exist, and accept the responsibility to change it...

Patience is a must.Keep your friends close, and your enemies (HATERS) closer.Every day is a new day,and anew experience.

NEVER underestimate a frail old woman. you will be shocked how strong she can be

What amazing responses!!! Thank you all for your words of wisdom! I (and I am sure others) really appreciate it!

NEVER be afraid to say "I don't know" and NEVER be afraid to say "I need a quick refresher on this procedure"

A recent one for me was that people may not always want your help, so don't force it upon them. That, and don't use aquacell when a bandaid will work (sarcasm ).

1) IT is what it is..2) And ALWAYS be honest. fess up to you mistakes and learn from them.because some day someone will point a finger at you, all you will have your creditability to stand on!!

Don't ever get caught up in the bs of nursing life. Where there is gossip and backbiting, smile and walk away. Remember to tell yourself that the day you become perfect is the day you can join in the gossip and smallmindedness with impunity.

Treat the patient not the number. (as in if your patient looks like they are going to crash but has normal vitals, go with your instincts. Same if you have an alert and oriented patient with good color and no acute distress, and the pulse ox reads 83%. It's more likely that your pulse ox needs new batteries than your patient is going to crash. I've replaced a lot of batteries in clinicals!)