Use their first name if you're friendly or close to them, or call them Mister or Miss with their last name to be more formal. You'll most likely only address them this way if you're writing a thank you letter or, if you're very close, inviting them to an event. For example: “Dear Joanna”
Thank you very much for your hard work and dedication. We really appreciate the sacrifices that you are making to take care of those of us in need. Thank you so much for your selfless work and endless hours that you put in to care for the sick.
Show That You Care
Since many patients will likely be from an older generation, they are accustomed to being addressed by their last name, such as Mrs. Smith. From the initial contact with the patient, the nurse should always address them this way unless asked to do otherwise.
And maybe I'm sticking my foot in my mouth here, but if I'm not mistaken, most nurses were addressed, traditionally, as “Nurse ___.” Now, most nurses are simply addressed by their first names. The “older generation” was fixated on titles, while the “current generation” seems to be a bit more flexible.
First, always introduce yourself and state your name and title. Next, make sure to speak clearly and slowly. It is also important to make eye contact and to smile. Finally, ask the patient how they are doing and if there is anything you can do for them.
I am so thankful for their kindness, support and compassion during that time of uncertainty for me. Nurses are incredible - thank you for everything you do for your community!" Thank you for your dedication!" Thank you to all of the nurses out there who are literally putting their lives on the line for people!
When nurses do their job well, patients are often appreciative. Many express their gratitude through tokens of thanks such as homemade cookies or a heartfelt letter. These gifts are probably fine to accept and can be a big part of what keeps nurses showing up day after day in a stressful job.
Although it is never appropriate for a nurse to accept a gift of a large monetary value—be it an item or cash, a gift card, or tickets to a concert, the theater, or sporting events —smaller tokens of appreciation might be acceptable.
They care, comfort, humor and cajole us, and in the end, they save lives. We owe them our thanks. So in light of National Nurses Week, we ask that you honor the nurses in your life, show them you care, and give them a little love back for all the things they do that we should be so very grateful for.
Showing your appreciation is an effective and simple way to respond to a compliment and make the person feel acknowledged. You can verbally demonstrate your gratitude by saying thank you, or use your body language to recognize your appreciation with a handshake, eye contact, and smile.
Kindness, fairness, caring, trustworthiness, emotional stability, empathy, and compassion are components that make you human on a personal level and serve you well as a nurse. You exhibit strong communication skills. You communicate well with patients and colleagues — sometimes at their worst life moments.
Howdy / Hey mate / Hey man / G'day / and Gidday mate all indicate that we know a person quite well. How are you? / What's up? / How's it going? are casual ways to say hello in English and indicate that we've known that person for some time.
Smile. Be friendly, personable, polite, respectful, calm, and attentive. Make the patient feel like a priority. Make eye contact with them.
In some states, the terms "nurse" or "nursing" may only be used in conjunction with the practice of a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical or vocational nurse (LPN/LVN). In the hospital setting, registered nurses often delegate tasks to LPNs and unlicensed assistive personnel.
Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurse (LVN/LPN)
LVN/LPNs are entry-level nurses. It can take one to two years to complete the program, depending on the school. Vocational schools and colleges may offer LVN/LPN programs. Once the program is completed, the student may test and become licensed in their state.