DiversityNursing Blog

It's Nurses Month and today we're diving into the wonderfully weird world that only us healthcare workers truly understand. Nursing is a unique blend of compassion, resilience, and a whole lot of moments that would make anyone else say, "Nope!"

So, grab your lukewarm coffee (because let's be honest, it's never hot), settle in, and get ready to nod along with these realities, straight from the trenches (aka, the hospital floor)!

You Know You're a Nurse When…

"You can identify the smell of C. diff from down the hall." - Sarah, RN, Med-Surg

We've all been there, haven't we? That distinct aroma… it's like a sixth sense develops. You walk in and think, "Yep, room 302 needs some extra attention." It's not glamorous, but it's part of the job!

"Your idea of a 'quick lunch' is inhaling a granola bar in the supply closet." - Mark, LPN, Long-Term Care

Forget leisurely meals. If you get five minutes to yourself, that's a win! We've mastered the art of eating on the go, often in the most unconventional of places. The supply closet? Break room? Behind the medication cart? Gourmet dining at its finest!

"You have encyclopedic knowledge of bodily fluids and their various shades." - Maria, BSN, Emergency Department

From vibrant reds to murky yellows and everything in between, we've seen it all. And yes, we can probably tell you what's going on just by the color. It's not exactly a party trick, but it's definitely a skill!

"You can sleep through alarms, but the faintest 'Excuse me, Nurse?' jolts you awake." - David, RN, Intensive Care Unit

Our bodies are finely tuned to the needs of our patients. The beeping of machines? White noise. But that soft call for assistance? Instantaneously alert. It's like we have a built-in patient radar.

"Your hands are perpetually dry from washing them approximately 87 times a shift." - Jessica, RN, Pediatrics

Hand hygiene is our mantra, but man, does it take a toll on our skin! We've tried every lotion under the sun, but that desert-like dryness just seems to be a permanent accessory.

"You have a dark sense of humor that would make your non-Nurse friends raise their eyebrows." - Chris, BSN, Oncology

Let's be real, we see some tough stuff. Sometimes, a little humor is the only way to cope and find camaraderie with our colleagues. It's not that we're insensitive; it's a survival mechanism.

"You can decipher Doctor handwriting that looks like ancient hieroglyphics." - Ashley, RN, Labor and Delivery

It's a skill passed down through generations of Nurses. We've cracked the code, somehow translating those scribbles into medication orders and care plans. It's a superpower, honestly.

"Your 'work clothes' consist primarily of comfortable, yet somehow still slightly stained, scrubs." - Ben, LPN, Home Health

Fashion? What's fashion? Our wardrobe is all about practicality and the ability to withstand… well, everything. And let's face it, a little bleach goes a long way.

"You find yourself assessing strangers in the grocery store." - Emily, BSN, Cardiac Care

Once a Nurse, always a Nurse! It's like our assessment brain never truly turns off. We can't help but notice the subtle signs and symptoms around us.

"You wouldn't trade the chaos, the tears, the exhaustion, or the sheer privilege of caring for others for anything." - All of us!

Because at the end of the day, despite the craziness, the long hours, and the occasional bodily fluid incident, there's nothing quite like the feeling of making a difference in someone's life. We are Nurses, and we wouldn't have it any other way.

So, fellow Nurses, what realities would you add to this list? Share your stories in the comments below, let's have a good laugh (and maybe a collective sigh of recognition)!

Using humor in Nursing can be a valuable tool for creating a positive patient experience, improving communication, and reducing stress and anxiety among patients and fellow healthcare providers.

Humor can help break down barriers and build trust between patients and Nurses, making it easier to establish rapport and provide compassionate care. It can also help alleviate fear and anxiety, both of which are common among patients receiving care.

According to a study in the Journal of Advanced Nursing, researchers found that humor "enhances feelings of closeness or togetherness when shared in the context of trust between the patient and Nurse and may be used as a coping mechanism in a stressful situation."

However, it is important to use humor appropriately and respectfully always being sensitive to the patient's needs and cultural background. Humor should never be used at the expense of a patient or in a way that could be perceived as unprofessional or insensitive.

Some ways that Nurses can incorporate humor into their interactions with patients include using lighthearted jokes or anecdotes to help patients feel more relaxed, finding common ground through shared interests or experiences, and using humor to diffuse tense situations or disagreements.

An article from the AMA Journal of Ethics states, "humor and laughter are shown to decrease levels of stress hormones, lower blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, decrease pain, and decrease inflammation. Laughter is an excellent addition to treating almost any condition."

Overall, humor can be a valuable tool in Nursing when used appropriately and in a manner that supports positive patient outcomes.

Nurses often use humor as a coping mechanism to deal with the stress and emotional impacts of their job. Humor can help reduce tension and provide a temporary escape from the demands of the work environment. 

Healthcare workers may use humor to help them deal with difficult patients, challenging coworkers, or stressful situations. Humor can help to create a sense of camaraderie and promote teamwork among staff.

According to the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, Sharon Mawby, MSN, RN, NEA-BC can attest to the power of humor. As the Vice President of Patient Care Services and CNO at Emory Decatur, she knows well how fast-paced and stressful the Nursing work environment can be. "As a result, Nurses, who are often at the very center of care with patients and families, can become overwhelmed and burned out," she says.

"We know that laughter relieves stress, so when Nurses take the time to share stories and laughter with their colleagues they build a sense of community within their teams. After all, Nursing is a team effort. As a CNO, when I round on units and hear laughter between the staff, I know that they are having a good day."

It is important to note, humor should never be used to mock or belittle patients or coworkers, and shouldn't be used as a way to cope with the emotional toll of traumatic events. In these situations, it is essential for Nurses to seek support from colleagues, loved ones or mental health professionals.

Using humor can be helpful for Nurses, as long as it's practiced in a way that doesn't compromise patient care or professional standards.