Recently spoke with an individual who went to a very plush rehab center.  The nurses were not friendly, did not have knowledge of the medications they were administering, told the patient to "just take them, the doctor ordered it, I don't know what it is for."  The individual was intimidated and feared retaliation if she complained of the care she was receiving.  What type of patient outcome do you think this was?  The individual did not feel good about this experience and anyone she relays her experience to will not go to this facility.

Nursing 101 and for the rest of your life:

• ALWAYS know what medication you are administering to your patient, along with the side effects why the patient is taking the medication, and how it will benefit them, both short and long term.
•  If you do not know the answer, find it.  You may have to excuse yourself and find the answer or you can simply look the info up on the computer you should ALWAYS have with you when administering the medication since we do have an electronic medical record (EMAR) in the majority of facilities now.  If your facility has not transitioned to an EMAR yet and is still using a paper MAR, know the info before you enter the room.
• NEVER intimidate the client, this does not promote positive patient outcomes.
• Nursing is life long learning, we never know everything and do have to look information up or ask questions of our colleagues.  The minute a nurse tells me she/he knows everything, I am afraid of  them.  They are a danger to the patient served and their colleagues.
• Smile....you may be the only bit of sunshine the patient sees all day.  One person can make a difference and that one person is you!