Why a Nurse Needs an Elevator Pitch Targeted for the Patient

I was with Marla Weston, CEO of the ANA Enterprise, the other day.   In the meeting, she introduced the idea of the ‘nurse elevator pitch’ that would be directed to the patient (and family) by asking the following question: “What is the one sentence every registered nurse should say to every patient on introduction?”

It’s an interesting take on the elevator pitch, traditionally invoked by sales teams on how they can introduce their product or service or by people in transition who need to define themselves in an attempt to make connections while looking for their next opportunity. 

Here's five reasons for Nurses to consider the idea:

1.      Calm the patient (and or family).  A simple elevator pitch describing yourself and what you will be doing (on behalf of the patient) will provide a professional first impression that will let the patient (and/or family) know that they are in good hands and will be well taken care of.

2.      Increase self-confidence.  Using a statement that you believe in each day will instill confidence in yourself – you know why you are here and what you need to accomplish.

3.      Improve patient / nurse communications.  By starting your relationship with a patient with a clear statement of who you are and what you do, you will provide the opening for the patient to know what information and questions they should expect from the relationship.

4.      Improve HCAHPS scores for the organization. If you work in a health system that adheres to HCAHPS, or simply one that performs patient satisfaction surveys in general, studies prove that clear and open communications between the nurse and patient are a major factor in improving the patient satisfaction scores from both the patient and their family members.

5.      Improved Communications with the care coordination team.  A clear Nurse elevator pitch will not only help communicate with the patient, but can also be used directly or indirectly with other members of the care team (i.e., they hear what you say to the patient or you alter it to provide the pitch to them on introduction of a new team). The more the care staff know your role with the patient, the more likely you will be able to complement each other’s responsibilities and tasks.

If you are a direct care professional, what would your elevator pitch be?

Remember, keep it conversational in tone, keep it under 30 seconds, and tailor it to the audience (what’s in it for them).

If you can’t think of one, start with something simple.

“Hi. I’m Stephanie. I’m your registered nurse and I’ll be taking care of you today. I will be...”

Can Nurses Find Satisfaction in the Journey?

I had the pleasure of meeting Tim Porter O’Grady and working with him for a day at the American Nurses Association Corporate Advisory Board.  

At one point, he stated “Nursing is the only medical profession that manages the journey, not the event. For the nurse, the question is….’Did I care?’”

The simple statement – one he’s probably made hundreds of times before – is a great reminder on how we need to focus on the wonderful ways Nurses can affect people in a positive manner instead of getting bogged down in performing the job duties.

Here are 5 reasons to take a step back and think about the next time you feel stressed with the ‘events’ instead of enjoying the journey.

1.      Emotional Connection.   Holding a hand, crying, laughing, or however you make the connection with any person in life brings emotional fulfillment for both parties.  The ability of the Nurse – the caring, willing to listen Nurse – to have that connection with patients on a daily basis is good for the patient – and good for your soul.

2.      Making a Difference.   Many healthcare professionals point to the ability to make a difference in someone’s life is the reason they chose the profession. For nursing, that is proven time and again with both the tasks required of nurses and the interactions that happen between the tasks. On a regular basis, make a list of the patients you touched – either by improving their health with the tasks or by connecting spiritually or emotionally with them.

3.      Advocate for the Patients.   As the one clinician who sees the patient repeatedly during each shift, you are the one person who can advocate for the needs, desires, and satisfaction triggers for the patient. Standing up for the patient is a responsibility that can help you feel great satisfaction when that advocacy produces positive results – or simply satisfies a patient’s need.

4.      Translate Medical Terminology.  I often hear nurses talk about explaining medical issues, terminology, discharge papers, etc., in simple terms that the patient and their family can understand.   What a great way to feel important – making sure someone understands.  (and by the way, if you don’t like this reason, feel free to add in this space any other ‘special duties as assigned’ that brings you satisfaction in what you do.)  

5.      Every day is a new day.   At the heart of healthcare is a singular relationship between two people at any given point in time.  That by definition makes each day have variability and provides new and exciting ways to make a difference.

Take a few minutes and enjoy and enjoy the journey now – and make an appointment with yourself on a regular basis to think how you made a difference.