Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1176470
Working Nurse l WorkingNurse.com 15 October 14–November 18, 2019 Due to their stressful situations, they may not be the in the best mood, but I can easily put myself in their shoes. These parents are understandably frightened, confused and exhausted. Compassion is the key to getting through to them to offer support. What do you love about working with children? Kids are so innocent, sweet and resilient. They want to play and be happy even when they're suffering. Even when they're sick and scared, they'll get up out of bed, smile and run around if their health allows for it. You just don't see that in adult patients. If we can help kids get even a little bet- ter, we can give them the capacity to still find joy and pleasure in life. When kids are sick in the hospital, how do they stay entertained and occupied? We have a playroom for kids who are not in isolation. There are video games, arts and crafts and lots of toys. Our patients can paint and do art in their beds, and some rooms have Wii or Xbox systems. We can also check out toys for kids who are in isolation. On Tuesdays, we have the Healthy Humor Red Nose Doc clowns, as well as various fun events for kids. Build-A-Bear Workshop brings teddy bears to the hospi- tal, along with supplies for the kids to dress up the bears and play with them. Other organizations provide people in superhero and other character-based costumes, as well as volunteers who come to the unit to play with the children or hold babies. Christmas brings a lot of toy donations, of course, as well as decorations and gin- gerbread houses the kids can make. Santa always comes to visit, and local police often arrive with gifts. There are always special holiday events, including some of the doctors and surgeons dressing up and handing out toys. In the fall, we have seasonal events for the kids that include prizes, arts and crafts, and treats. How do you care for yourself and encourage your nurses to do the same? There are always times when you're not doing well because you're so busy, but you need time for yourself to relax and recharge. We're always caring for others; what about us? My staff feels very comfortable with me and feels free to pull me aside if they're having issues. We have an employee assis- tance program for counseling, and I always offer that as a potential avenue to unload and talk things through. Some things we see are so hard to process and accept. If we have an especial- ly difficult case, we hold debriefings with the chaplain, especially for the nurses who were directly affected. For strengthening unit camaraderie, we throw parties and showers for staff having babies or getting married. We collect money if the family of a staff member needs support with funeral expenses. We like to show one another we care. This is our job, of course, but we're also like a big extended family that spends a lot of time together, often under stressful cir- cumstances. What happens when a pediatric patient dies? It doesn't happen a lot on our unit, but when it does, we bring in the chaplain and sched- ule debriefings for both day and night staff so that everyone gets the chance to process the experience. What is it like to have to discipline a staff member? Fortunately, the managers do more of the formal write-ups. I've never had to fire someone — others do that. However, on a day-to day-basis, if someone isn't quite on track, I approach them in order to help, not criticize. I like to be there as a source of support and education so that our staff can do better. I'm not a fan of punishment. Overall, I think most nurses aren't making mistakes purposefully; they just need more guid- ance. Correcting someone isn't my favorite thing to do, but if you see them improve, you know you've helped them. As a leader, I don't dictate or yell and scream. Compassion is so important in this role. You can help people be better rather than just telling them what they're doing wrong. How and where did you learn your leadership style? I try to emulate the good mentors and strong role models I've had throughout my career. For example, not long ago, we had a nursing director who had a very special demeanor when dealing with upset people. She was able to listen very well to their problems and complaints, make them feel heard and then solve problems without causing a ruckus. She was confident and approachable. I learned a lot from her. What are your plans for your career? Is there more you'd like to learn? I'm currently in school to become an acute care pediatric nurse practitioner. With three small children and fulltime work, I take classes one at a time, so I'll finish in June 2021. I hope to stay at Loma Linda and work in the new facility we're building. Pediatrics is my passion, but I haven't decided on a specialty yet. I am currently leaning towards general pediatrics. Helping abused kids and doing forensics interests me, but I'm not sure I could do that on a daily basis. What makes you happy and what do you do for fun? My kids are my life outside of work. All three dance, and one of my favorite things is to go watch them do what they love. I love my family. __________________________________________ Keith Carlson, RN, BSN, CPC, NC-BC, has worked as a nurse since 1996 and has maintained the popular nursing blog Digital Doorway since 2005. He offers expert professional coaching for nurses and nursing students at www.nursekeith.com. WN Even when kids are sick and scared, they'll get up out of bed, smile and run around. You just don't see that in adult patients.