What are the huge "DO NOT EVER DO" things that new nurses need to know about? calling

[katiebugg]

I am graduating in a few days, and off to be a new registered nurse. I would love to hear from experienced nurses about the "BIG" things that they need to remember or the things they try to avoid. Medication tips, or how to deal with patients...anything would be helpful, and thank you !!

[adria37]

Don't ever give potassium IV push.

Don't ever say "I don't do it for the money" if you don't need the money there is a big need for volunteers and you belittle the value of what nurses do when you say this.

Always remember you are a patient advocate first and foremost.

[Roy Fokker, BSN, RN]

Don't ever shirk work!

cheers,

[grammyr]

Do not ever say "I know" when you don't and "I don't know" when you do.

[DeepFriedRN]

Know the perameters of the meds you're giving. If you're not sure about something, ASK!! Take it seriously when a pt says they just don't feel right, many times it may be nothing, but sometimes it's very definitely something. Never, ever utter the words "I didn't go to nursing school to wipe behind", etc., because you know what, it's part of the job, so yes, you did. Treat all ancillary staff with respect, because they deserve it, and also because they can make your life h*ll if you are a beast to them. In terms of being a new nurse, don't be so darn hard on yourself!! We every one of us learn new things every day. It's OK not to know everything!:)

[Dolce, RN]

Don't ever say "I know" to an experienced nurse. If they are willing to take the time to explain something to you listen up and be grateful!

[ponytailman]

Never document that you gave a pill or did a dressing change knowing that you didn't. Never call or talk to the MD without being prepared or having the information in front of you. And never assume something was done, afterall when you assume it often makes an ass out of u and me.

[jules1326]

I totally agree with what everyone posted here. As a matter of fact I would not printing out this entire post and having my "experienced" nurses read it.

All the medication information is very true.

My biggest pet peave is nurses who go into a room and ask a patient what do you need and then the nurse spends the next 10 minutes looking for a CNA to do what would take less than 2 minutes, like getting water/ice, putting a patient on the bedpan or getting the patient a blanket. Ironically these are the same nurses who are always behind with their work and I am thinking, if you did not spend all day looking for CNA's you might not be behind.

Always treat your patients like you would like your family to be treated and you will be fine.

[danissa, LPN, LVN]

DONT ever think that you know everything that you need to know!

[Blee O'Myacin, BSN, RN]

Do not save your charting until the end of the shift. Plan your day and incorporate bathroom breaks, meal breaks and charting time. Do not be a martyr with an empty stomach and full bladder, you will be no good to anyone! Establish a routine so that when you have a day that is not routine, you will be able to handle it. If you go about your day without a plan, EVERYTHING will take you by surprise. Leave little to chance!

Help your coworkers. Even if you don't feel like it. When it's your turn to take care of the complete care 400 pound combative patient, you are going to need back-up.

Blee

[Dalzac, LPN, LVN, RN]

The ONLY fluid to hang with blood is NS. and never piggyback anything with hyperalimentation or what ever your hospital calls it

[Lacie, BSN, RN]

Don't ever be bullied into something that you know is outside your scope of practice or you know will put your license on the line.

e.g. Witness a blank surgery consent. Our surgeons and residents try this all the time. They write orders to "witness consent" thinking we'll just do it because "a doctor ordered it." Sorry, buddy . . .not happening.

Like the response here I can not reiterate enough this quote. Always remember if your gut tells you to question it then do so! If your still not sure then look up the policy before you do it dont just take someone's word for it. Just because that's the way we do it or it's ok the Doc wont care, just write the order and he'll sign it later (although he hadnt been called), it's ok to time you gave that med because your on your way to do it or know you wont forget (LOL) as many of the ones I have heard over the years but I could go on and on with this one. Take it from someone who learned the hard way - KNOW your states nurse practice act!

[wooh, BSN, RN]

Don't ever make your decision of whether or not to call the MD based on how nice the MD is. If it's a stupid reason to call, it's still stupid even if the MD is nice. If they need to be called, then they need to be called even if they're going to yell or scream at you. Don't punish the nice MDs with stupid calls and reward the mean ones with uninterrupted sleep.

And chart as you go. The time you spend at the beginning of your shift will save you double that time later in your shift.