Nurses know that it’s humanly impossible to care for patients in today’s complex world alone. Successful nurses have evolved beyond the days of, “my patients” versus “your patients” (although, unfortunately, there are still some dysfunctional units and nurses who practice this way!!). Successful nurses recognize that it takes a village, like they say.
I recently read an excerpt from a book about wolves titled, The Wisdom of Wolves, and immediately saw the application to nursing practice. Here’s the deal: Wolves are more devoted and committed to their family and community than any other mammal on earth. Nothing will stop a wolf – not even the threat of harm or death – from protecting the pack. Each pack member takes full responsibility for supporting and protecting every pack member – no matter what.
Imagine if nurses behaved this way – protecting their pack. That would mean, every new nurse would be nurtured, supported and protected from harm; every patient and their family members would be included in the pact – every nurse then would take full responsibility for their care; every nurse would go out of his/her way to ensure the success of his/her coworker.
Imagine a world if nurses behaved like wolves.
I was fortunate to get a glimpse of working with a wolf pack a few days ago. I still work casual on a step-down unit. I was working with another nurse and her student in a 5 bed mini step-down unit (it’s a part of the larger unit but with more critical patients). In this mini unit, you don’t have a nursing assistant – you have to rely on each other. Throughout the day, I was amazed by the pack behavior of both this nurse and her student (I would hire her in a heartbeat!!!).
Here are a few examples of how they demonstrated wolf behavior:
· I had a pt. in isolation who needed repositioned and cleaned. I asked for their help but then my other pt. asked for pain medication. I told my co-workers to give me a minute, however, as soon as I gave my pt. her pain meds, I saw that they were already gowned and gloved, in “my” patient’s room, taking care of it. Done!
· The student told me my pt. was incontinent (all over the bed). I immediately asked if she could help me (the pt was a large person) but she said her and the other nurse already took care of it. Done!
· Walked my patient to the bathroom – twice.
· I was getting a transfer – a pt. who needed more critical care. Not only did they help me get the pt settled, but my co-worker noticed the pts meds were due and GAVE THEM for me!!!
We were a pack of wolves that day – protecting and supporting each other AND taking full responsibility for our extended pack (patients). Kudos to April (nurse) and Elissa (student nurse) for understanding that the only way nurses can provide high quality compassionate care to patients is if we treat our co-workers like wolves treat theirs.
Are you working with wolves? Would love to read your comments.
Take care and stay connected.
Renee
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