[Sharon]

Do you think nurses learn by sharing stories? Have you ever shared or heard a story that had an impact on someone else or yourself? Share a story on the online discussion forum that had an impact on your nursing practice. It can be a story someone has shared with you or one you shared with others. (you may use pseudonyms to retain confidentiality).

[Stephanie]

I think nurses do learn by sharing stories i think it allows nurses to learn and grow from either other people’s experience or situations and it helps us all reflect on how we can improve are own practice. A story that I share with nurses is I started my morning shift assessing my patient who came back post op the night before. This pt. was experiencing what i thought at the time to be side effects from the epidural that was in place in the shoulder. when i went to review the nightshifts notes i had noticed that no post operative assessments were completed all night. Generally VS, assessment of the Limbs and pain are addressed q4 hours but no abnormal documentation was noted or reported. An Anesthesiologist had to be paged and made aware and the pt. was assessed immediately. Thankfully no permanent harm was resulted from this. But i always like to share this story as routine checks and postoperative orders are not present just to be optional they are important and even though its through the night they should always be completed.

[Katherine]

I appreciate you sharing this story—it’s such a good reminder of why routine checks are so important. Sometimes the “basic” things are the ones that keep patients safest. I like how you use your story to encourage reflection without blame—it’s a strong way to help others learn and grow in their practice.

[Anastasia]

I find the stories that have or could have had a negative effect are the ones that people remember the most. I remember a situation when charting was paper I was working midnights and one of the nurses did all their charting at the beginning of the night and did not round on his patients the entire night. The patient died sometime through his shift and found on day shift. This nurse falsified documentation and this death could have potentially been avoided. I always use this as an example when I am providing coaching to my staff about the importance of real time, accurate, detailed charting.

[Katherine]

I do believe nurses learn by sharing stories. Stories go beyond facts and procedures — they help us see the human side of care, remember lessons, and connect emotionally with experiences in ways that textbooks alone cannot. When we hear stories, we not only process information but also reflect on meaning, values, and how we want to show up in practice.

One story that had a lasting impact on me came from a senior nurse during my early training. She told me about a time when she was caring for a patient who was near the end of life. The patient was anxious and kept asking about small details, like whether the blinds were open or if the room was too quiet. At first, the nurse felt pulled to focus on medications and monitoring, but she realized that for the patient, those “little things” were the only things still within their control. By adjusting to meet those requests, she gave the patient dignity and comfort in their final days.

That story reshaped how I view “small” patient concerns. It reminded me that compassionate nursing isn’t just about clinical interventions — it’s about presence, listening, and respecting what matters most to the individual in front of us. I carry that lesson into practice by making sure I slow down and pay attention to the personal details that can make a big difference in a patient’s experience.

[Jessica]

Hi Katherine,

As someone who is task orientated, this resonates with me because I need more reminders to slow down.
The little things matter and when we take time to connect and listen, it creates a lasting impact on the Patients/their loved ones.
I believe compassion is also an imporant quality in a leader, and this is a great reminder to be respectful and empathetic always.

Thank you so much for sharing this story.

[Kayla]

Hi Katherine! I love this story, its a good reminder not to get stuck on just the things we as nurses think are good for the patient, and remember that giving them some autonomy in their care can be really comforting and beneficial for them, even if its something as simple as adjusting the blinds for them to make them more comfortable!

[Jessica]

I absolutely believe Nurses learn by sharing stories – Especially stories where they admit to making a mistake. Being accountable for your actions is so important, and sharing stories of growth allows us to connect with each other. We are human and we all make mistakes – and thats OKAY!

When I was a frontline Nurse working as a float I often got assigned to the emergency department. One day I was working in an area where the admitted Patients were transferred, prior to being moved to a unit when a bed became available. I received a Paediatric Patient who had been admitted and was waiting for surgery. There was a new order for fluids so I hung the fluids and programmed them like I would for any other Patient. Little did I know at the time that Paediatric patients require special IV tubing and monitoring. Thankfully, this error was caught quickly, and the Patient was transferred to an RNs care who had the appropriate knowledge and skill to care for the Patient. Being a new RPN I was unaware of the specialty of Paediatric Patients and assumed the skills were transferrable. This unintential mistake caused no harm, however it was a great reminder that not all orders are straight forward. I was able to shadow the RN who took over the Patient’s care and it was a great opportunity to learn from.

I encouage everyone to take the time to talk about their mistakes. The more we talk about them, the more comfortable people will feel talking about them. Mistakes are so often viewed negatively. We need to normalize the fact that mistakes happen and use them as an opportunity to grow.

[Stephanie]

What a great story, thank you for sharing! I completely agree by sharing that everyone makes mistake it helps others feel not alone and that were able to learn and grow from each others experiences. We work in an environment that is so fast pace with multiple things going on that it can be easy to make a mistake. Its great you were able to learn from this experience and find guidance from an RN who was more experienced in Pediatrics.

[Anastasia]

Yes, I believe nurses learn a great deal by sharing stories. Storytelling allows us to connect beyond policies or textbooks—it brings real-life experiences into perspective and helps us learn from each other’s challenges and successes. Stories often stay with us because they carry both the practical details of a situation and the emotions that came with it.

One story that had a strong impact on my nursing practice was shared with me by a senior nurse early in my career. She told me about a time when she was caring for a patient who did not speak English and had limited family support. At first, the care team focused on completing tasks quickly, but the nurse later realized the patient’s anxiety stemmed from not understanding what was happening. She slowed down, used visual cues, and relied on interpreter services, which completely changed the patient’s comfort level and cooperation.

This story stuck with me because it highlighted the importance of communication beyond just words. I carry that lesson into my own practice—taking the time to ensure patients and families feel included and understood, even if it means adjusting my approach. I also use this story for coaching my staff on communication when I get feedback from clients that the staff “is rushing with care” or “the staff doesn’t talk to my dad they just do the tasks”. It reminds me that small changes in communication can have a lasting impact on patient care and trust.

[Amit Kaur]

Hello
Anastasia
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. A senior nurse showed humanity to support patient, Instead of only finishing tasks and completing shifts. Nurses work with somebody’s life. Patients come to us with trust and a hope of getting better.Finding sources to support and positive outcomes brings a feeling of accomplishment and encouragement to do more.

[Tina]

Visual ques are so important when a resident or patient is unable to understand, I have as well and still use the ques for my residents to help them best understand what the team or myself need to do. Such as eating, showing a visual que of the motion to eat. Or to show the food and utensils to the mouth, then they are able to initiate eating on their own.

[Amit Kaur]

My story is a first hand story, when I was a student nurse. I was scheduled with a senior nurse in the Paediatric unit. It was my first day.My assignment was to check every child’s v/s and report to the nurse,then follow directions.
One child under 1 year of age. I found temp 106F. The child’s mother was at the bedside.
I reported this to the nurse,she directed me to report this to the doctor who was at the nurses station working on his notes.I did report to Dr ,his response was “child is on A/B,its okay do not worry”.

Later about an hour after the senior doctor came on the unit round. My self , senior nurse, both Doctors started round,when we reached that child, his condition was changed, breathing changed and turning colour.
The Senior Dr angrily asked if somebody checked this child and when??. Unit Dr responded nobody reported.
I immediately responded that I checked his temp and reported Dr’s response. The child’s mother witnessed and she supported me by saying this little girl came and checked my son.
Fortunately the child was saved with emergency measures .
But I got scared with tears in my eyes and negative thoughts about the situations. The senior nurse and senior doctor supported me that you did your diligence.
This situation gave me a lesson that others actions and responses can affect you negatively and positively.

[Tina]

I do see telling stories as a very important part of nursing. I have over the last 27years shared stories that were of nursing, and personal and stories of others experiences.

One story at this time that comes to mind is that of another nurse I use to work with, her story is sad. She was working nights at the hospital, she had a patient who was in restraints, She did not do a check or had not check frequently enough. So basically this patient was found at either the end of shift or on the day shift. He had tried to get from bed, and strangled himself unintentionally with the restraint. That nurse was so upset, she never worked the bedside nursing again.
This being a secondhand story, leave a lot of detail out, but the point is, that we have to be aware, and check often, as it does not take long for a tragedy to happen.

[Loubna]

Thank you so much Tina for sharing this story. Sometimes the most difficult stories are the ones that teach us the most. As nurses patient safety must always be our top priority.

[Stephanie]

I think it is important for us as healthcare workers to hear stories. They can be inspirational and can improve who we are personally and professionally.
One story I found inspirational was from a colleague. There was a resident who was flown in by helicopter, from up north to be close to family. During admission, one question that is asked is if there is any spiritual or cultural considerations our team should be aware of. This resident expressed that they were indigenous, and the one thing they wanted was to have a ceremonial smudging. Our spiritual coordinator at the time went above and beyond, and set up a ceremony for this resident within days. This story was so inspiring for me because it was a whole new level of care. It is one thing to take it into consideration, but our spiritual coordinator fulfilled their wish. The compassion shown to this person has humbled me and motivated me to be a more empathic nurse, in any aspect, of all residents.

[Mauei Caela]

Hi Stephanie,
Thank you for sharing your story. My nursing professor had told us something similar as well regarding patient-centered care and how they dealt with families wanting to honour their culture, but the process would have a detrimental effect on the patient. i.e, the patient’s parents want to burn some sort of incense/leaves, but the patient is having respiratory problems, and burning in the hospital is also a fire hazard. They were able to brainstorm an alternative. Instead of burning the incense/leaves, they have put it in a pouch that was tied to the bed of the patient. Your story reminded me of respecting cultures and their beliefs. We have beliefs where I came from, some of them are totally the opposite of what science has taught me. It was really difficult unlearning it for me, but being able to see in healthcare respect and include cultural considerations makes me happy, as I know how important it is for the elders of our family, especially my grandparents.

[CHUNYAN]

I think it is very inspirational and helpful by sharing stories for our nurses. We can learn each other and improve our personally and professionally. One day I heard a story A nurse told me. We have five ipad for PSW doing documentations. One day we found one is missing and staff found in resident’s drawer .The resident asked someone set up her passwords and log into her account she told the person she bought the ipad from Walmart and paid 400 dollars. A few days later the power is low and resident has no charger. We know she is lying but resident is cognitively and knows what she is doing. We can not just take the Ipad .So staff getting together and brainstorm played a ram. We announced we have missing a ipad we need to search everywhere include all the room. Staff went to resident’s room and found two ipad in the room. Another resident S. said one is hers. But the another one is belong to us which is the resident P. took from US. At the beginning P. is saying it is hers and she brought it. Staff login with our pass word and confirm with resident by saying one of the staff is doing the documentation in her room and forgot ii there , is it right. Resident P. is smart and change her story by saying you are right someone left it here .So we got our ipad without making resident embarrassing .From this story I learned how to dealing with problems and improve relationship between staff and resident.

[Mauei Caela]

I’ll never forget a patient I cared for during my early nursing career. She was being weaned off a ventilator so she could spend precious time with her family. Tragically, a mistake was made, and she passed away suddenly. What stuck with me was the unexpected turn of events and the importance of double-checking details in high-stakes situations.

The patient’s condition took a sudden turn while she was on a call with her daughter. The daughter quickly called the nursing station, and another nurse answered right away, allowing for prompt intervention. However, there was confusion about her code status – Medical on the EPR but no DNR on the chart, and also indicating that she is still a full-code. Despite the uncertainty, CPR was performed, and she was sent to acute care, where she eventually passed away.

When our manager shared this story in a team huddle, it drove home the importance of verifying code status and ensuring consistency between our Electronic Patient Record and the chart. It also highlighted the value of speaking up and asking questions when unsure, as well as utilizing resources like Respiratory Therapists. This story has stuck with me and continues to inform my practice, reminding me to prioritize patient safety, communication, and teamwork. I’ve learned always to check code status, ask when uncertain, and support my colleagues, and I apply these lessons every day in my nursing career.

[Trudy]

Nurses most definitely learn by sharing stories. Depending on the story, it can be a reminder, teaching moment or something to reflect on.

When I was a nursing student, during our placement, there was an older nurse who did not want anything to do with students. This nurse would ignore our questions, go on to do patient care/procedures without us, roll her eyes and sigh when she realized she was assigned a student. It got so bad to the point where any student paired with this nurse did not learn anything, felt fearful and tip-toed around her. I remember feeling anxious, uncomfortable, scared, and out of place. Our instructor got word of what was going on and was able to speak to the manager about this nurses’ purposeful dislike for the nursing students. My preceptor was wonderful and always made us feel that we were worthy of learning and were there to do just that.

I have been a nurse for over 13 years and will always welcome students and make them feel comfortable. It’s not easy to be in an environment where you want to make a good impression but may sometimes feel intimidated. I understand taking a student under your wing is not for everyone. I always remind myself that I was once in that position and we need to lead by example, be respectful and remember these are our future peers.

[Kayla]

I do beleieve that nurses learn by sharing stories.
When I was a new nurse, many nurses shared stories about when they were new nurses and that the feelings being experienced were completely normal and that it takes time to get comfortable in your role. I now enssure to do the same with any new students or staff that join our team!

[Viatcheslav]

I think that nurses learn from sharing stories. As discussed in our readings, the storytelling goes all the way to the distant past and has always served not only as an entertainment when sitting cozily on a cold night around a fire, but also as a lesson or a warning to the young.
It is easier for most of us to remember something when we have emotional attachment to the facts; personal stories we can relate to create that emotional bond.

There was a story told by senior nurses in regards to never signing the MAR before administering the medications to the patient. One time during the medpass time one of the nurses felt ill and collapsed. Code blue was called, she was taken away by the ambulance, and her patient group was redistributed among other registered staff. Everybody got back to work, nurses checked their newly acquired patients, their charts, medication administration records to see what needs to be done. Unfortunately, the nurse who got ill, didn’t follow the best practice and have signed one of the patient’s meds before administering it. Patient was not verbal and not oriented and therefore unable to inform staff. Important IVs were missed and patient’s condition deteriorated.
Hearing this story, made me to always follow the proper practice and to preach it to other nurses when doing orientations or working with students.

[Loubna]

I strongly believe nurses learn through sharing stories. Stories can show us what went well and what could be done differently. A story can improve empathy and professional growth. When I was a new nurse, a senior nurse shared a story that had a strong impact on me. She told me about one day she made a medication error and immediately reported the mistake. Her honesty allowed the team to respond quickly, and the patient was not harmed. That story stayed with me because it showed professionalism and accountability, especially in stressful situations. Stories like this help new nurses grow and develop confidence in their role.

[Donna]

Yes, is strongly believe nurses learn by sharing stories. Story telling allows us to connect real experiences with theory, reflect on our actions, and gain valuable insight from one another’s challenges and successes.

One story that had impact on me was shared by a senior nurse during my early practice. She talked about a time when she almost missed a subtle change in patients’ condition because she was focused on completing her tasks. Her story reminded me of the importance of holistic assessment and being fully present with each patient, not just task oriented. That experience has influenced the way i practice today, I take time to observe, listen, and communicate openly with my patients and team. Sharing stories like these helps us grow both professionally and personally, reinforcing that nursing is not just about skill but also about awareness and compassion.

[Author]

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