My role as patient monitor at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital was to observe and ensure the safety of high-risk patients under the supervision of nurses. I encountered patients with a variety of medical and psychological issues, and I regularly faced unique challenges caring for difficult patients.
One holiday weekend day stands out above the rest. A patient was yelling at everyone on the hospital floor, expressing dissatisfaction with everything he received, from his food to his overall care from the hospital staff. This behavior was atypical for this patient, so I took the initiative to sit down and talk with the patient to reach a better understanding of how we could make his stay more comfortable. After speaking with him, I learned that he was agitated and upset due to an unforgiving diagnosis. The patient had just been told his congestive heart failure was intensifying and that he likely had only six to nine months to live. He had no family or friends to speak with upon receiving this news and it being a holiday weekend only intensified his loneliness. All he wanted was someone to have a simple conversation and to share his feelings.
I approached our charge nurse and explained the situation. After doing so, I let him know that we were doing everything possible to make him comfortable. While what I could do for him was limited, I made sure that he felt listened to and that we were not being dismissive. Subsequently the charge nurse spoke with the hospitalist on duty and arranged a therapist to speak with him, and more importantly, moved him into a room with a friendly roommate. Once the patient was informed of the plan, his mood visibly brightened, and he was more pleasant, even amicable, with the hospital staff. With the patient calmed down, staff members could focus on the needs of other patients without additional stress.
Critical thinking skills and compassion were essential to resolving this challenge. Typically, something ascertainable triggers changes in an individual’s behavior and manner. As a nursing student, it is important for me to utilize critical thinking skills both in the classroom and clinical setting. Developing problem solving skills is essential both as a student and as a nurse. Facing this challenge, I was able to integrate the information the patient presented through evidence and outcomes I witnessed from the past and help develop an effective care plan and solution for my patient. Whenever I come across a problem in the classroom or in clinicals, I have no inhibitions discussing them with my teacher or supervisor; even the most insignificant events, positive or negative, can assist growth as a student and professional.
Attention to detail and time management are important skills applicable to my journey as a nursing student. My experience demonstrates actively listening to the patient’s spoken words, everything from his behavior to his knowledge of a new diagnosis, but also observing non-verbal cues from the patient, his being alone in a private room on a holiday weekend. Not only did my patient feel understood, we were able to tailor care to his specific needs. Being knowledgeable about the hospital’s available resources allows for the maximization of their use. In the classroom, attention to detail will help me avoid making silly mistakes and avoid distractions that could lead to a medical mistake in the future. I prioritize my work, stay organized with personal checklists, and multi-task where appropriate. Time management also correlates with people management. My skills of anticipation, delegation, and supervision will result in a successful role as a nursing student.
Perseverance is integral; even the most difficult challenges have not deterred me from pursuing a degree in Nursing. I believe the instruments for my academic success and community involvement are the result of developing critical thinking skills, attending to details, managing time, acting towards achieving goals, and multitasking along the way. I believe these qualities will also be essential for success in the accelerated BSN program at Marymount University and in my future career as a nurse.
I am applying to Marymount University’s ABSN program because of the long-standing reputation that Marymount University has for preparing exceptional nurses. Further, I value the program’s mission to increase intellectual curiosity, service to others, and global perspective.
