[squee-gee]

Wow... I just spent the last 2 hours reading every page of this thread and c&p-ing every helpful tip. I now have 14 pages of invaluable information - just what I need when I start orientation as a new grad RN on August 4th. A big hug to everyone who put in their two cents. I know the real world of nursing isn't going to be like nursing school (which is ridiculous - why can't they just teach us what we really need to know, for heaven's sake?), so getting the lowdown before starting on the unit will be a real help. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I'm sure I will be checking back often to see what new pearls of wisdom have been posted.

[PICURN74]

lots of great information for both new and experienced nurses. The thing that helped me when I started was finding a friend at work, not a mentor or preceptor although the same person can serve more than one role. Having someone to talk about the good the bad and the ugly can make all the difference in a shift. Even if it is someone who can chat for 2 minutes in the med room.

[rhondaa83]

Study, Study, Study Rhonda

[rhondaa83]

study study study. If you study your butt off, you would not be asking that question. sorry Rhonda

[LuvBNanRN]

That was great advice. I`m definintely goiong to use it. I am a new graduate and all I can think about is how my first day on the floor will be.

[mcknis]

This is a lot of great advice! One thing to remember, always...take advantage of your breaks and go PEE!!!! I know my first and second days on the floor were spent in a busy hectic manner, but after that I learned to take those breaks. They are there for a reason, and you need them! On the break, turn off the cell phone, leave the unit and forget about work. It will still be there when you return, but relax for a little!!!

[patchy]

I'm not sure who I'm quoting from, but I read it somewhere today and thought it made sense. It went something like:
Don't worry about wasting an opportunity, because someone else will find it and make use of it.
Did you already subtract the cost of parking from your potential yearly income at the one place before comparing the two incomes?

[lookingbeyond]

Originally Posted by SmilingBluEyes

Ever have an "I wish I was told this" moment? Well, we all do as nurses regarding school. Here are some things I wish they told me nursing school (and some I wish they had emphasized more)----and what I told another new BSN nurse in a different thread (and it would be the same advice I would give any new nurse/grad):



You have achieved a great thing, graduating and earning your degree (BSN, ADN , LPN or Diploma). Now, the REAL learning begins......

Don't ever pretend to know what you don't. Be a sponge---watch and listen to what is going on around you. Take mental notes. Find mentors and emulate their good habits. Take note of the bad habits and avoid those.

Listen to your patients; they know their bodies better than you do.

Have integrity----be honest with yourself and others.

Stay out of the gossip game/circle. It goes nowhere and brings down morale, including your own.

Be on time! EVERYtime. When you are late, so am I. And I don't like to be late!

Stay organized as possible. Keep up on your charting and tasks as they come up. Dont' save it all for "later"---there may not be time, "later".

Do it right the first time, even if there IS "no time". Believe me, there is no time to "Do it over", either.

Plan for the worst; hope for the best.

Be someone they can rely on---and rely on yourself!

Take good care of yourself; eat well, exercise. It's the only body you got and you are gonna need it. Nurture the self. Nurses have a tendency to martyr themselves and neglect their own needs. Don't be one of them; it's a fast superhighway to burn-out.

Nourish the mind. Plan on spending a LOT of time investing in your continuing education as a nurse. The world of nursing/medicine is changing faster everyday. You are going to have to make a conscious and concerted effort to "stay abreast". It's more work than you imagine right now.....plan on it.

Learn assertiveness if you have not already. Lots of good books and conferences/seminars exist. Learn early-on you no are NO ONE's doormat. Also, know there is a difference between "assertion" and "aggression".

Work hard, yes, but don't forget to PLAY hard too! Have hobbies you enjoy. Your life is NOT your work, and while being a nurse is part of who you are, it need not *define* you.

Believe in your self and good instincts. Sometimes, "instinct" is what lets us know something is amiss or wrong with our patients. Never ignore that gut instinct. It's very often right! BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!!!!!

After 8 years in nursing, these things are things I have learned the "hard way"; hopefully you don't have to.

Warm, hearty congratulations to you and all new grads here. I wish you all good things in your new careers.

This writing is very good!

[emetcal1]

I love all this great advice! I haven't started a job yet as a nurse, but I am somewhat slow to find one and I will admit, I am nervous. I have a lot of confidence in myself, but when people doubt me (like my preceptor has), I get easily discouraged. Please pray when I start my job I get a great preceptor to orient me to my unit. I graduated from Kent State in 4 years and that says a lot to many people who aren't nurses, but to those nurses who don't remember that I am new at nursing, it doesn't mean much at all.

[psgc21]

wow, these are great tips.. thanks a lot! =D