3 things you wish someone would have told you, that you had to find out on your own.. - Page 3

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  1. Aug 6, '12 by
    Quote from TX.RN.Shannon
    1) If a patient says, "I'm going to die tonight", DON'T automatically chalk it up to confusion!
    This is one of the most important lessons my first nursing teacher taught me. She said, "when your patient tells you they are gonna die, you better believe them because even though they might look stable, when it's time to go, most of them know it."
    canoehead, Not_A_Hat_Person, dreameyes1, and 2 others like this.
  2. Aug 6, '12 by
    1- If you don't love every one of your patients and feel the utmost compassion for all of them, it doesn't make you a bad nurse. It makes you a real person. As long as you treat them all with respect and take care of them the best way you know how, you're good.

    2- Take your break. Yeah you have a lot of work to do but go sit down for a few minutes and EAT! You'll go crazy if you don't.

    3- Teamwork is the key to success.
    Hoozdo, Tarabara, annlewis, and 7 others like this.
  3. Aug 6, '12 by
    1. Chiropractor will be your best friend
    2. Time management will not come overnight--it takes time and practice
    3. Always take 5-6 pens to work with you because you WILL loose several throughout the shift.
    annlewis, DizzyLizzyNurse, turnforthenurseRN, and 2 others like this.
  4. Aug 6, '12 by
    So true
  5. Aug 6, '12 by
    1. Your emotions can make things a lot more stressful/chaotic; know that and keep them in check. Panicking is never going to make any situation better.

    2. Don't let patients or family members control or monopolize you. Many will try but realize you have many others who deserve your attention as well. If they get antsy at your for not coming in every 5 minutes to 'fluff the pillow', suggest they may like to pay for a private nurse

    3. Often times, the less you say, the better off you are.
    jadelpn, imintrouble, and Hygiene Queen like this.
  6. Aug 6, '12 by
    Quote from Cat_LPN
    1. Your emotions can make things a lot more stressful/chaotic; know that and keep them in check. Panicking is never going to make any situation better.

    2. Don't let patients or family members control or monopolize you. Many will try but realize you have many others who deserve your attention as well. If they get antsy at your for not coming in every 5 minutes to 'fluff the pillow', suggest they may like to pay for a private nurse

    3. Often times, the less you say, the better off you are.

    To add to #3, if it feels good to say it, then don't.
    canoehead, MeganDM, ivyleaf, and 4 others like this.
  7. Aug 6, '12 by
    1. If you dont know something....ask
    2. If you dont feel comfortable doing something cause you are new at it....ask for help
    3. The difference between a bad and good night is often determined by how good your aides are and how good you treat them
    Tarabara, dreameyes1, MJB2010, and 2 others like this.
  8. Guide
    Aug 6, '12 by
    I do not have to know everything. Just learning that caused me to release a lot of anxiety. I have smart friends, co-workers and other resources and I have learned to say in a professional manner, "I don't know, but I will try to find out for you".
    jadelpn likes this.
  9. Aug 6, '12 by
    1. new grads: I promise it gets better with time. Just hang in there! It takes at least 6 months - 1 year to become comfortable, sometimes even longer. Remember, you are never alone.

    2. try not to take things personally.

    3. remember the golden rule: treat others the way you want to be treated. Teamwork is key and your aides can make or break your shift. Develop a good working relationship with them and treat them with respect. It makes for a much smoother shift.
    annlewis likes this.
  10. Aug 6, '12 by
    Always make sure the lid is on tight before shaking a bottle. Maalox is really hard to get out of your hair.
    canoehead, CharmantUn, Hygiene Queen, and 6 others like this.