So New I Squeak!

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hello everyone!

I've a handful of days until I take that tiny exam and then on to work at our Burn Unit here in Arizona.

Any advice on new people coming on to your floor, how I can best use my orientation period and absolute DON'TS for new grads? Any and all info will be great. Hey, I'm still learning, but this time from you!

Thanks,

karen

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Maintain good attitude. Learn from everyone's mistakes, including yours. Refrain from using phrase "I was taught...". You know the material and theory, so concentrate on the culture a little. Relax and let it happen. You will not feel confident right away so do not expect it. Remember, we WANT you to succeed, so tell us how to make your learning experience more positive. Enjoy nursing!

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Be a sponge; learn all you can and be exceedingy observant. Keep a positive attitude and try to enjoy your new career. I wish you well! Welcome to nursing.

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I'll make a great sponge! Thanks for your responses..... I'll be looking for more!

Karen:D

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Karen - find a mentor. Look for someone on the unit that is knowledgeable and willing to teach you. I found a mentor while I was in school. She was my perceptor when I graduated. And now she is my friend. I don't know how I would have made it without her.

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Specializes in Interventional Pain Mgmt NP; Prior ICU and L/D RN.

excellent posts from everyone. redwinggirlie..don't take anything personal!!! PLEASE! Some nurses unforunately forget what is was like to be new. Don't beat yourself up if you make a tiny mistake..that's why we are always learning. So learn from it:) Finding a mentor is a great idea! If you aren't getting out of your preceptor what you need say SO! This is your time to learn, not their time to be lazy.

ASK, ASK, ASK, ASK plenty of questions. NO matter how stupid you may think they are. If you don't know the answer it isn't STUPID!

Try to enjoy yourself! Your a NURSE finally. You worked hard now is the time to shine. Yes you are a newbie, but I personally love those newbies that come to my unit full of excitement and motivation to learn.

Don't be put off if someone tells you that can't help right now. Just ask them to come see you later or when would be a good time. We never know what else they may be dealing with:)

ABOVE ALL.....LIKE SMILINGBLUEEYES SAID....BE A SPONGE!

It may not all make sense in the beginning, but it will come together for you.

Congrats!!!

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Specializes in midwifery, ophthalmics, general practice.

another Karen- such a good name!!

welcome and good luck!

Karen

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

What Deb said.

Many people try and impress others with what they know and aren't willing to learn. ALWAYS stay willing to learn. Ask questions. Stay positive. If there's a culture of negativity don't give into that. Many places it's politically incorrect to actually like your work. I doubt a burn unit would be like that, since it's such a touch demanding unit, that only the strong and compassionate would survive.

Good luck to you!

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Good stuff guys! I do have the tendency to keep some questions to myself, the ones I think are probably obvious ones, but have lately learned that's not such a good idea. The unit I'll be going to is full of teaching opportunities, not just for me, but for everyone, so it's going to be easy to ask, ask, ask.... Thanks for the input.

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