[Angie O'Plasty, RN]

* un-spike the old IVF's with 100 mls left in the bag while it's still hanging

* say the word "quiet" in reference to your hopes for the shift

* say you've never had a patient ________ before

* take your stethoscope off till you're in your car and on the way home

* plan on going to that inservice/staff meeting/whatever during your shift



Experienced nurses, share your wisdom. What are some other things that new grads should NEVER do?

[michelle95]

Along the lines of IVs and fluid...

...when you rare fooling with G-tubes, clamp the tube with your fingers while you are inserting or taking out your 60cc syringe...otherwise what you put in is likely to come out. Of course, we all learned this the hard way.

Also, make friends with your unit clerks. They are really an asset.

[nurse educate]

...tell someone (especially a doctor) "I'm sorry to bother you". It's their job to be bothered!!!

[talaxandra]

Never say "I'm just a nurse..."
Never believe that just because a patient can't speak English, she also can't understand English

[mattsmom81]

Never be afraid to get your supervisor in the room with 'hands on' your patient if you feel 'in over your head.' And CHART you have done this. CYA and share liability. None of us know 'everything'.

[mickeymouse1205]

Never tell someone you know how to do something that you don't or are not comfortable with

[Elenaster]

Never turn off your monitor alarms!!!

[jaimealmostRN]

Originally Posted by bonemarrowrn

...tell someone (especially a doctor) "I'm sorry to bother you". It's their job to be bothered!!!

I second this! As a newbie/student, I ALWAYS say this and then feel silly. One good substitution is, "I can see your busy, but I have a question about xyz..." Great tips everyone....gee it sure is quiet in here (she says in hopes of getting more replies to this tread ).

[purplemania]

never think you are the only one who has sweated out NCLEX results

[PJMommy]

NEVER forget to check what IV bag you are hanging and triple check the rate

NEVER "just follow orders" -- use your head

NEVER tell a family "there is a chance he'll pull through this" if there really isn't

NEVER stop thinking

NEVER stop learning

NEVER talk about your co-workers, your patients, or their families behind their backs

NEVER try to stay awake and run errands all day after working the night shift

NEVER let your pride get in the way of asking questions