Nurses #EmpoweringCare during National Healthcare Quality Week

In honor of Healthcare Quality Week, our nurses shared with us about how they ‪#‎EmpowerCare‬ when caring for their patients:

I love getting to know my patients. By asking little questions, a lot of times you can find something you have in common and go on that. -- Barb Bakenhus, RN, Bryan Health

I try to get on a personal level with my patients from the start. I use a lot of stories from my family who's gone through similar things, so that they don't feel alone in what they're going through. -- Emily Acker, RN, Bryan Health

Walking is a big thing on our unit, so I encourage my patients to go a little bit farther each time. We make a good team. -- Kayla Powley, RN, Bryan Health

I like smiling and listening to the patients and being compassionate. Listening to their problems makes them feel better. -- Brooke Kendle, RN, CHI Health St. Elizabeth

I look at each patient as if they were my family member. I know how I want my family to be treated when they're a patient, so I treat mine as well as I can. -- Melissa Oates, RN, CHI Health St. Elizabeth

Sometimes the Oncology nursing staff have weekend potlucks, and when we do, we make sure to make our oncology patients a plate. They're like family to us. -- CHI Health St. Elizabeth Oncology Nursing Staff

I like to get to know my patients personally. I try and make the hospital feel like a home away from home, even though it's really tough for the, so they can go home feeing good about their stay. It’s all about relationships. -- Rose Sischo, RN, CHI Health St. Elizabeth

I don't like tense situations, so I love to diffuse them with humor. Patients tell me I brighten up the room with my... *shout from another nurse: energy!* ...energy! I love to light up the room with a smile.  -- Sally Saf, RN, CHI Health St. Elizabeth

Love seeing and hearing about nurses? We've got you covered. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for more.