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by alabama2

Hi,

I am just starting in a BSN program and would like something feedback from those of you who are already in the field. What is it that you wish new nurses were better prepared for? Is there anything that the recent graduates you work with seem to be lacking in training? Whether it is technical knowledge or bedside manner, please let me know what you think.

Thanks,

[smoo]

Re: What do experienced nurses expect from new nurses?

When I was a mentor I expected a student to have a basic knowledge. Did i expect you to know every disease process, med or what have you? No, I don't know everything myself. But, if you don't know something, then I expect the willingness to learn, and ask questions if you don't understand. Also show an interest, offer to do things, or at least a demonstration, then you do it the next time. There is nothing worse than a new nurse who already knows everything or who expects everything to be done by the book. We try as much as we can, but there just isn't enough time in the day to do every little thing by the book. Hopes this helps some.

smoo

[Boston-RN]

Re: What do experienced nurses expect from new nurses?

Great thread, I'm a new grad myself and any advice/tips/words of wisdom from someone with experience is wonderful.

[nightingale]

Re: What do experienced nurses expect from new nurses?

Be as prepared as possible, have all your own tools, and be humble and pleasant to work with. Oh and keep good notes....

Thanks for asking.

[nuangel1]

Re: What do experienced nurses expect from new nurses?

i agree with nightingale and smoo i expect you to have basic knowledge ,ask questions ,come prepared and be willing to be a team player and want to work and learn.

[TriageRN_34]

Re: What do experienced nurses expect from new nurses?

In addition to the before mentioned, I would also add a personal note from me on how I like to interact with new grads.

Many of the ones I run into are so stressed and don't believe too much in their abilities. That is a shame because that is a big wall in the way of learning and interacting with patients and staff. I try to make the newer nurse feel a little more comfortable and know that I am there for them if any questions arise or some help is needed. I also introduce them to the more social side of working, like meeting the Docs and other staff and getting a feel for teamwork!

I think nursing is a good 80% social skill! So believing in yourself and being yourself really helps...at least I think so! Know your limitations or challenges ahead of you...like being newer, not knowing some things, learning, things you don't like to do, things that make you uncomfortable or sad...stuff like that. Knowing those right away really helps to take some of the confusion of "this is so much to learn!!!" out and puts it to the functional side of your personality so you can focus on tasks better .

Being new is a opportunity to start really honing in on your active listening skills! Yeah, you may run into times when you know what someone is teaching/telling you, but the social aspect...they are trying to help (even some meaner ones...LOL) and listening and being respectful is always a win win! I had to bite my lip a few times (still do..LOL), but wow...people respect me more since I started just doing active listening to them! They feel I am really listening and respecting them in return! Good tool!

And when it comes to reporting off to an MD or nurse...try to have your ducks in a row so to speak before you start. With MD's I ALWAYS have that chart handy because the moment you don't...they will ask a question you need the chart for...its a murphys law I think. (so get to know those charts well!!!). I have had a few Docs very upset because I have had to take time from them to find a chart. Nurses...they want to know what is up and what they need to know...so make it brief but informative, and SAME with paramedics (they have to know pt condition and what not for transport since they are responsible for their pt too!!!).

WOW...quite a long post here...I will end with that.

OH..and try to have fun...I did, and making it fun and learning was a great benifit to me and others around me !

[SmilingBluEyes]

Re: What do experienced nurses expect from new nurses?

GOOD question!

Sounds as if you are off to the right start.

Personally I don't expect too much. Show up ON TIME and READY to learn/work. It's really very simple for me.

[HollieRN]

Re: What do experienced nurses expect from new nurses?

Hi there!

I'm a new nurse as well ... I agree w/ everything above !!

My preceptor and clinical educator stressed ASKING QUESTIONS! Never let something go if you're unsure. Never put yourself in an unsafe situation, where you could've had help, because you were too afraid to ask.

Also, it is normal to not know the answers to everything. I've found that the key is to know where to go for those answers. For now, your biggest resource will be your preceptor and fellow nurses. Eventually you will learn what other resources you have (MDs, pharmacy, OT/PT, ... etc.) and how to access them.

[buddiage]

Re: What do experienced nurses expect from new nurses?

great thread!

[Lara911]

Re: What do experienced nurses expect from new nurses?

Just want to say that I'm glad to see that so many people still want to do this job, we ear often complaints about our jobs, in Canada this is less popular than ever to become a nurse, some complaints are true but I think, this is really a nice job, not easy but it worth it...and I think that is very nice of you to wonder what are the expectations as you want to succeed...so I wish you goodluck, do what you do with your heart, be yourself, never be afraid to ask, I don't know one experienced nurse ( ok maye one or two but we are millions so!!)...who is not happy to give the teaching to a motivated person...