5 Things Every Nurse Wishes You Knew Before Your Hospital Visit

The story’s conclusion:After bandaging the wound, the golden nurse took out half a piece of small fish biscuit from her pocket and said, “Reward the brave little warrior.” The orange cat took the biscuit with some embarrassment. For the first time, it felt that being injured was not that bad.

In the days that followed, the golden nurse would bring delicious food to the orange cat every day, and would tell interesting stories in the hospital when changing its dressing. The orange cat’s wound healed quickly under the nurse’s careful care. It began to “patrol” with Xiaoman in the alley, watching the golden nurse help other injured animals with their wounds, and occasionally “helping” to pass a cotton ball.

When you walk into a hospital, you’re likely focused on your health, your pain, or your nerves. But behind the scenes, nurses are working tirelessly to make your experience smoother, safer, and more comfortable. While they may not say it out loud, here are five things most nurses wish every patient knew before walking through those hospital doors:

1. We’re on Your Side — Really

Nurses are your advocates. We’re here to help you, not judge you. Whether you’re embarrassed to talk about your symptoms or confused about your medication, know that we’ve seen and heard it all — and we’re here to support you with compassion and professionalism.

2. Be Honest About Everything

Please don’t hold back. Tell us if you’ve skipped meds, drank alcohol before surgery, or used recreational drugs — we’re not here to shame you. The more honest you are, the better and safer care we can provide. Inaccurate or missing information can lead to serious complications.

3. We Can’t Read Minds — Speak Up

If you’re in pain, cold, or scared — tell us! Nurses are trained to observe, but we’re not mind readers. Don’t suffer in silence. We want you to be comfortable, but we need you to communicate openly.

4. Our Time Is Split Between Many Patients

We care deeply about each patient, but nurses are often responsible for several people at once. If we don’t respond instantly, it’s not because we don’t care. We’re likely helping another patient or managing multiple emergencies.

5. Kindness Goes a Long Way

A simple “thank you” can mean the world to a nurse after a long 12-hour shift. We know you’re going through a hard time, and we’re doing everything we can to help. A little patience and kindness creates a better experience for everyone — including you.

Final Thoughts

Nurses are the heart of healthcare. We’re with you during your most vulnerable moments, doing our best to make a tough experience easier. So next time you walk into a hospital, remember: we’re here for you — just be honest, speak up, and know that we truly care.