Module 4 Teaching in Nursing

Teaching is a major part of nursing no matter where you work. Everyday nurses are asked a myriad of questions (that often don't have anything to do with the current situation).  I worked as a labor and delivery nurse for many years and most of the day was spent teaching about plan of care, fetal monitoring, pushing, vital signs, medications, breastfeeding, infant bathing, use of bulb syringe, diet, exercise, etc...  I believe that nurses are teachers because we have to be, and also because we want to share out knowledge to help our patients fully understand and make better informed decisions.  With more knowledge, our patients are encouraged to be more involved in their own health care.  We are at the bedside and are available literally at the push of a button, so we are asked all of the questions that the doctor may not have time to answer.  We must be approachable to our patients and co-workers so that they will feel comfortable coming to us with various questions.    

In my current job as a legal nurse consultant I teach everyday.  My job entails researching specific medical issues and then educating the attorneys and legal secretaries and clients regarding those issues.  It has been an interesting and educating good job for me also as I learn a lot during the research phase to add to my bank of knowledge.  There are many new medications and  diagnoses I am not familiar with and, when I am finished with my research, I know much more than I did in the beginning.  I am also asked advice on a daily basis to evaluate something (suspicious mole?) or to discuss possible causes of certain symptoms.

 No matter where you work, as a nurse you are also a teacher, whether you are interacting with patients, staff, colleagues, or administration. Or even if you don't work as a nurse, your neighbors, family and friends (and often strangers, once they find out you are a nurse) will ask for your advice on a wide range of topics.