Advice, Tricks and Experience

[krisiepoo]

I recently graduated with my ADN (Dec) and passed NCLEX (Jan), accepted into BSN program (start in May) and now just got my first job as an RN!

I decided to look outside the box a little and will be moving out of state so I start in 3.5 weeks on a Neuro/Ortho/Surgical Unit. So I'm a little anxious about the move, a little anxious about a new job in a new career field and while I'm very excited for this opportunity, I'm just anxious right now (have I mentioned some anxiety?!). It will be much better once I find a place to live, that's my biggest hangup right now.

To all the old crusty bats and others with experience, what advice do you have for the new RN? Any tricks of the trade for a new nurse? The do's and don'ts?

Thanks!

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

Hey!! Congrats!

I'm a pretty new RN too, but I'm thankfully not a new Grad anymore LOL. And I work on a general surgery/ortho floor.

Do be on time (or even earlier)

Do find a good report sheet (attaching mine, modified version of one I found on allnurses)

Do ask appropriate questions

Do all your online training on time

Do ask for feedback

Do not hesitate to ask for a new preceptor if you feel it's not a good match

Do not hesitate to ask for extra orientation

Do know what you need to say when calling doctors

Do call doctors/PAs with lab issues right away

Do be ready with pain and nausea medication for your fresh post ops (OK you don't have to have them in hand, but they will need it)

Do start your blood transfusions early and try to have them finished by next shift (you will be giving many of them)

Do start your pre-op checklists earlier than later

Do get SCDs and TED stockings for your surgical patients as ordered

Do start bowel preps and not leave them for next shift

Do not write people up for no good reason

Do use infection control techniques

Do bring in food for your coworkers

Do not be afraid to question a med order or hold a medication, but follow up

Do delegate (it's how you survive)

Do document as you go

Do make a schedule for yourself to help organize

Do not get involved in the drama

Do stay for at least a year

Do express your thanks to your coworkers

Do not be afraid to ask for help

Do use your resources

Do not throw away your nursing text books

[krisiepoo]

Thanks :) I appreciate the feedback

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

Here's the report sheet...

Report Sheet Med surg.doc