Jobs, the Specifics of care and feeling Special

Recently in applying for jobs - left, right and further off-centre - the penny drop is long confirmed: it is not sufficient to include statements such as - "I have very good communication skills". Would-be employers need specifics.

Patients and the public
(as the two previous posts reveal)
need specifics too.
They do not just want to be "one of the crowd".

A key quality of a 'good' nurse is that they can anticipate a patient's needs. Of course the whole care team are engaged in this activity. Foresight has always had a mystical quality to it, and no less today on wards, in clinics, community and occupational settings. ...

Anticipating care needs increases comfort, job satisfaction, saves time, money(?) and leaves people feeling better; even if they are far from 80-100%.

Good (effective) staff can use their knowledge, skills and experience plus that of colleagues AND the patient to head calamity off at the pass, whether in the form of emergency intervention, or a much needed bedpan and fan (you figure it out).

The key bit is what makes these special staff stand out. How they communicate this to the patient, the family and colleagues. This is why most staff and yet some staff in particular can make a world of difference.

Even if the patient is a member of the crowd,
the quality of the care interactions make them feel unique,
cared for -
a person who matters.

Nursing Times Awards 2008