[EmerNurse]

Originally Posted by ZASHAGALKA

I never stopped until my 'first rounds' were complete. But, at that point, my shift was well organized.

~faith,
Timothy.

Absolutely!! I've always done this, even now in the ER. After report, I go see all my patients and grab a set of vitals on each. That sets my day - I know my patients quick physical status, that no one's in acute distress at the moment, and then I can go check the chart for pendings, etc. I also chart a quick "pt rec'd on stretcher, VS stable, blah blah". One of my pet peeves is a chart with no evidence that the patient was seen by a nurse until two hours after they hit the bed. I keep wondering how that would look in court!

Everyone finds their own "rhythm" for thier shifts. My best advice is to try out a couple of methods early on and find which works for you. When you find it, ALWAYS organize the same way. When I was on med-surg, we had a patient worksheet we used. I always always placed my info in the same places (VS at bottom, to-do list on the right, etc) so when things got frantic, I automatically knew where I was looking for what.

In the ER, I organize my patient charts (which are far far smaller than med-surg) in a certain way ALL the time. Lab and other results on the left, ongoing flowsheets etc on the right. That way I (and the MD) can find things quick.

I always thought I had a big advantage getting into nursing later in life, becuase I was a secretary (not medical) for nearly 20 years. I learned to handle large volumes of paperwork and stay organized long before I ever hit the nursing floor!

Good luck!! It truly does get easier with time - find the couple of really nice nurses on your shift and work with them. Sometimes a support person or two (preceptor or not) is a lifesaver!

[Madame Poppy Pomfrey]

Smilingblueyes,thank you, spoken true words of wisdom on all points!!

[Madame Poppy Pomfrey]

Originally Posted by earle58

a few more tips:

- find a mentor- look for advice from a senior rn. this person should be different from your supervisor and can provide a soundingboard, giving you objective advice.

- don't be too hard on yourself. although exciting, it's also a stressful time. you're going to make misktakes- we all do. what's important is you work to correct those mistakes and learn from it. a sense of humor truly helps.

- be aware of corporate culture- use all your senses to find out what's accepted in your organization, i.e., patterns of communication, dress codes, etc.

in choosing your first job, consider:

1. orientation progtram for the new RN. a strong orientation and preceptorship will be what makes or breaks your 1st job experience, and possibly, even your career in nsg.

2. policies on continuing ed, including tuition assistance/reimbursement. this policy will also help you understand the employer's views on continuing ed.

3. work environment & attitudes of potential co-workers. what is your 1st impression of the unit during a walk-through?

4. nurse-to-patient rations, patient acuity, size of unit, mgmt. structure, staffing mix (rns relative to lpsn and nsg assts), availability of ancillary staff (housekeeping, dietary, unit secretary, maintenance, etc)

5. availability of mds (esp after hrs), autonomy vs.responsiblity of RNs,type of nsg care delivered (team, primary, etc)

6. type of work scheduling (weekend programs, M-F, 8-10-12 hr shifts, floating, overtime policy, weekend requirements, holiday requirements)

7. opportunity for advancement?

8. salary including shift differentials and cost of living increases.

9. benefits including vacation time,sick time, childcare, staff health services, parking, cafeteria.

tips for survival:

- think before answering
- take vacations
- remove energy drainers
- support co-workers
- treat yourself
- avoid aggravating people
- keep in touch w/yourself and your needs
- say no w/o guilt
- ask for help
- use available resources
- evaluate your growth and stay focused.
- re-energize

we are not superhuman- lest we not forget that. and we are no one's doormat. love yourself enough to avoid ANYONE treating you badly.
strive to treat each patient as you would yourself or a family member.

and take a deep breath.

peacefully,

leslie

SURVIVAL TIPS ARE A MUST THANKS!

[1st edition]

I have wanted to write a book just for this topic!!!!!! Maybe now I will!

[Madame Poppy Pomfrey]

Originally Posted by 1st edition

I have wanted to write a book just for this topic!!!!!! Maybe now I will!

Great Idea! Get typing! hee hee

[future_RN79]

Hey guys, I'm Nursing student looking for RN to help me out with one of my school project. I just need to do a brief interview of RN. I would really appreciate if anyone can help me out.

[nursebenson]

Thanks for the advice. I'm trying to use it at my new job, I especially like the "don't act like you know it all, ask questions"!

[maximaxi]

Originally Posted by WindwardOahuRN

Okay, as a nurse with over 30 years experience (LPN and RN), I am going to give you guys a bit of advice here.

ASK---if you don't know, don't fake it. The old-timers absolutely do NOT expect you to know everything. They know you are scared poopless. Contrary to popular belief, older nurses do NOT eat their young. Too many bones ;-D. We know that you are the future of nursing, and most likely (hopefully, even) will be the ones taking care of us when we inevitably succumb to life's physical insults.

PITCH IN---yeah, we know that you have no clue how to transdermally pace a patient in an emergency. Just hang around, offer to be a gopher, and LEARN by OBSERVING. We'll totally respect you for that. Most of us will grab your hand and guide you as you input the settings into the pacer. That is, if we sense you're interested. Hide, and you have written your epitaph.

DO NOT (under any circumstances) UTTER THE PHRASE "Well, this is how we did it in school"----SLAP!! Real life is NOT school. Book learning is a foundation, not a house. You live in a house, not on a foundation.

I think I am done for now.

Yours truly,
WindwardOahuRn, aka ICU maniac

Ooops Im new & just did that yesterday..Actually my preceptor actually went to the same school. I think in nursing school they condition you to be like that. You just don't want to do the wrong thing. Now i know. She said to me, "your going to find things are different in the "real world".

[takotako]

I agree, always ask your classmates, teachers, and other nursing student. You'll learn a lot by just asking and sharing. By the way, I would like to ask you guys, what is your idea of having flu vaccine to be mandatory to all health care staff?

Takotako

[takotako]

Hi!

I just want to say thank you to all the staff and nursing students of ELM 2006 especially to our wonderful teachers. It's been a wonderful experience at Touro University Nevada. Hope I will make it till the end.

Takotako