[obxdrmn]

Thanks for all the tips! I appreciate the time everyone took to type them up!

[Xenawarrierprincess]

As a recent graduate, I can assure you that asking questions not only enhances our knowledge as new nurses, but earns respect from other more experienced nurses that can and will be valuable allies and sources of support and info.
Hopping on the defensive or hiding a lack of knowledge will always come back to bite you.

[rosemadder]

I well remember five years ago when I began my first year as a nurse on a Med-Surg unit with the patient ratio of 1:8. It was a frightening realization that I would be responsible for the care of these patients.

[anotherneonurse]

Document EVERYTHING accurately, well and thoroughly. Stay late if you have to. Fill out every possible form. In my career I have had several incidences now of people trying to get me in trouble for no appearant reason, in some cases with flat out lies. What always saves my butt is documentation. Always do the right thing but more importantly, write it down after.

[Proud 2b Me]

I am also a student and we got the chance to attend a Board of Registered Nursing Meeting today. I think every srudent should be given this opportunity. One thing they stressed upon us was know and always follow your Nursing Pratice act, you are accountable for every decision you make as a nurse. If there is something you are uncomfortable doing get help . Never ever falsify documents NEVER!! Problems with substances get help don't risk losing your liscensure. Diversion programs can help you prevent that and they are in place to help those who may need it.

[ashcroft12]

Hi, I've just started a nursing job in a heart unit after qualifying a few months ago and to be honest I'm finding it a struggle to understand and remember procedures , how to read ecg's as well as handling cardiac arrest calls and also provide 100% effective and effecient patient care. I'm now questioning myself if this is the right career as I dread handing over reports due to my lack of knowledge and feel very intimidated and embarassed when more experienced staff have a go about something not done right. I know its a very busy ward but could someone please tell me it has to get better! I would appreciate and be thankful if anyone could advice me on how to deal with this overload of information and in particular the criticism I receive as I do find it stressful and my confidence is getting real low.

[eedyah]

Be yourself always...No pretensions at all.That's so true always ask?ask?ask? and don't pretend that you already knew everything.Nursing is a continuous process of learning...

[ranaazha]

Originally Posted by sunny3429

Hello all,


I am a new graduate RN and I am so confused. I know that I should get some experience with med/sur first, but I am really interested in post partum. I am 36years old and I don't want to waste my time. I just want to select one area and advance from there. In addition too, I have several other interest to include: diabetes educator and psychiatry. Please help!!!

Erica

I was in the same boat. I really want to start in L&D and eventually go on to advanced practice in women's health (CNM & APN). I struggled with this for a while, though. I have so many interests, and I started to worry, "What if I change my mind and want to do something else? Or, worse yet, what if I don't like it as much as I think I will??"

I talked to an instructor who has become a mentor to me. She told me her story... that she started in med/surg and ended up going to float pool. Having the broad M/S background allowed her to float anywhere and pick up new tasks/issues with relative ease. So... that cinched the deal for me.

Currently, I'm a new gran RN in med/tele. While I find the work itself to be emotionally and physically tiring, I know that it's not where I want to spend my life. I do want to spend at least 1 year there because it's important for me to become familiar with the presentation of medical disorders (versus what my textbooks said...). Additionally, all the procedures are such great experience: from starting IVs, to changing dressings, to hanging blood, to starting foleys... It's such a broad array of skills and encounters that I know it will prepare me well.

I know I will always be longing for more while working in M/S, but I'm confident it was a great place to start.

[karma78]

So helpful, Thank you!

[iswara7]

I just graduated nursing (ADN) in December 2007. I had my first job at a local hospital and was fired within a month. They said they did not have 6 months to train me and thought I moved too slow for their unit. Anyone else ever has this problem? I am looking for other options at the moment but where I am there are not a lot of opportunities for nurses right out of school. Thanks for the tips, wish I read them sooner.