Wherever you receive healthcare, you will find nurses. And Americans know they’ re in good hands. According to a 2017 Gallup poll, 82 % of Americans rated nurses as the most ethical and honest when compared to 21 other professions requiring public trust.

In recognition of National Nurses Month, here are nurses’ answers to the question:“ What’ s the one thing nurses wish their patients knew?” Their answers provide insight on things you can do to partner with your nurse to stay healthy or heal during a hospital stay.

Check in“ Nurses love it when patients come back when they are well, just to say a quick hello. That’ s one of the greatest rewards for nurses, to see their patients doing well after caring for you.” – Brenda Staley, RN

An oath of excellence“ Some jobs are physically demanding. Some are mentally demanding. Some are emotionally demanding. Nursing is all three. Understand that nurses have taken an oath to do their very best for you, whenever possible.” – Jennifer Mills, RN

Honesty really is the best policy“ I wish you would tell the truth when completing your health history. It’ s the only way we can truly help you. When you lie about drinking, smoking or drug use, you are hurting yourself and most likely not fooling your healthcare professional.” – Carole Schmidt, RN, PdD

Always hydrate before a blood draw“ If you’ re going to get your blood drawn, drink two or three glasses of water beforehand. If you’ re dehydrated, it’ s a lot harder for us to find a vein, which means more poking with the needle.” – Abby Huff, RN

Speak up“ It’ s highly important to report any history of adverse reactions to medications or agents in the past. If penicillin made your face swell up and your breathing got funny six months ago, it’ s likely to do the same again. Please give your nurse this information along with any food allergy.” – Susan Roland, ANP

Supplements count, too“ When your provider asks for a list of the medications you’ re taking, make sure you include over the counter drugs and

herbals. People think that if an herb is‘ allnatural’ and‘ organic,’ it’ s not a medication. But that’ s not true. Herbals can interact with other medications and can cause serious complications.” – Kristin Baird, RN

You’ re on my mind“ I wish my patients knew I think about them even when I’ m not at work, and hope they will recover. It breaks my heart to see them in pain. Also, I would like to spend more time with them, but the high nurse-topatient ratio and tons of documenting makes it quite difficult.” – Ann Hsieh Foley, RN

Attention, please“ With health care records all electronic, a lot of nurses( and doctors) read the screen while you’ re trying to talk to them. If you feel like you’ re not being heard, say‘ I need your undivided attention for a moment, please.’ You deserve to have it and shouldn’ t have to ask for it, but don’ t hesitate to do so if necessary.” – Mary Pat Aust, RN

OURHEALTHNWA. COM 12 MAY 2025 | CELEBRATING LOCAL NURSES ISSUE