Inspirational Quotes for Nurses and Why They Are so Meaningful

---

Every profession has its share of great and inspiring quotes. You don’t have to look far to see some great pearls of wisdom specifically pertaining to the nursing profession. Here are 7 inspirational quotes that only get better each time you read them.

“Constant attention by a good nurse may be just as important as a major operation by a surgeon.” – Dag Hammarskjold, Diplomat

This is very true, as doctors are always on-call and do not have the time to give a patient constant attention. On the other hand, it is a nurse’s job to be an advocate for a patient and to watch for new symptoms, while gauging emotional and physical response.

“I am constantly inspired by my patients and motivated to do my best to care for them.” -Maggie Knight, 2013 Grand Prize Winner, Student Nurse Category

Now there’s a thought, being inspired by your patience rather than artificially trying to inspire them. You can do a great deal of good by simply listening to your patients, answering their questions, and giving them your undivided attention. This in turns inspires them, create a chain of goodwill.

“I think one’s feelings waste themselves in words; they ought all to be distilled into actions which bring results.”

Florence Nightingale

While feelings are important, let’s not forget the importance of taking action where possible. Usually, the requests of patients will not be emotional, but action-oriented. They will want something. They will want you to do something for them, ask the doctor a question, contact a family member, and so on. Rather than just listening to their pain, if you really want to help see what you can actively do to brighten up their day.

Our job as nurses is to cushion the sorrow and celebrate the joy, everyday, while we are “just doing our jobs.”

Christine Belle

Next on our list of inspirational quotes comes from Christine Belle, who reminds us that there are only two emotional phases in nursing: sorrow, which everyone understands, and joy. Are you a joyful person? Do you give your patient something to hold onto, feel happy about? Celebrating the joys of life, as well as acknowledging the sorrow, is what people will remember about you.

Compassion automatically invites you to relate with people because you no longer regard people as a drain on your energy.

Chogyam Trungpa

An attitude adjustment goes a long way. A lot of people, yes even within the medical profession, see other people as an emotional drain. By relating with people as friends rather than seeking to entertain them or placate them, you will be getting rid of that drain. Your compassion will make you relatable. The pressure of delivering will not be so intense when you earn their trust.

Good communication does not mean that you have to speak in perfectly formed sentences and paragraphs. It isn’t about slickness. Simple and clear go a long way.

John Kotter

Lastly, remember that good communication is not about giving a good speech, a polished presentation or a series of big words. Patients don’t want intellectual garble, nor do they want a patronizing sermon. They want simple and clear communications; what is expected of them, what they need to do, and how everything is going to be all right. Remember that conversation is goal oriented; you accomplish something with your words. You put a thought into their minds and assure them of it.