Despite today’s advancing technology, evidence-based practice and clinically savvy nursing staff, irrational beliefs exist and are prevalent in the healthcare environment. Still anecdotally present among most healthcare workers are a number of superstitions. Here are a few I’m familiar with.  

    “Full Moon”- If you’ve been a nurse for any period of time you absolutely understand the “full moon” phenomenon. The full moon worsens the workload and stress.  Chaos, increased noise, heightened activity levels and an above average number of disruptive patients suddenly appear in your waiting room.  Emergency room nurses truly believe the moon disrupts the mentally challenged, beckons the vulnerable to become intoxicated and encourages the kooky people to visit the emergency room of their local hospital.

   "Deaths Come in Threes” - Critical care nurses understand this superstition. Many times over a 24-36 hour period there will be several deaths in a row ... usually in a group of three.  

“Certain Rooms are Unlucky” - I used to tell my colleagues, “If I ever get sick and have to be admitted to the CCU, do not put me in room 4.” Room 4 was very unlucky. It seemed as though most patients in room 4 were very ill, and didn’t survive. Why is that? Room placement is random on any given day; nurse assignment is random. It only seems logical to think it’s a “cursed” room.

    “The Q Word” - This is a big one. Never, say the Q word. Quiet. If someone asks you how things are; and it’s been a good day, don’t say it. Smile and say it’s been nice. The Q word has been known to “wake up” the admission gods, bringing a flood of admissions and craziness your way upon speaking the word!

   “Saying the Patient’s Name” - A word to the wise,  never say the name of a frequent flyer out loud; the admission gods pay particular attention to frequently spoken names and will magically bring this patient to your door at lightening speed.

   “Pulling Down the Linen” - If you have pulled the linen down for an expected admission and then find the admission has been cancelled; do not pull the linen back up. Pulling the linen back up over the bed is like waving a white flag at the admission gods. You will receive an admission without delay.

  “Placing the Crash Cart Outside the Room” - Patients that cause you extreme worry will be free of lethal arrhythmias if the crash cart is logistically placed outside their room. This has worked for me many times over the years. I call it “warding off evil spirits.”

  “Lucky Pen” - I’ve owned several lucky pens. Strategically placed in a pocket or up in my hair; my “magic pen” has made sure patients were stable and I had a good day.

    Why do we have superstitions? I believe, superstitions allow nurses to account for the unexplained, unexpected and unpredictable nature of their work. Perhaps it’s a defense mechanism, allowing us to see humor in adversity. What ever the reason; I admit I’m, superstitious. What about you?