When you were a new RN...

Nurses General Nursing

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When you were a new RN did you come home after work and study/review??? Or even on your days off??

I feel like I need to because I don't know everything and there is so much I need to learn... I try to for a least an hour or if not a few minutes before going to bed.

Is this worth it? When will I not worry and have to study like this?? I have a little over a year experience of being an RN.

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Specializes in Orthopaedic Nursing; Geriatrics.

Yes, and I still do it sometimes after 39 years! There is always something new to learn and a good nurse will always seek new knowledge. Welcome to the wonderful world of nursing!

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Specializes in ICU, Med-Surg.

Hey! I'm in a similar boat: a little over a year medsurg experience. I never hesitate to reference my old books/online resources when at work...yes I get teased, but it's worth it!

One thing that really helped me was subscribing/joining the AMSN (Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses) because they send out a journal every few months. It's a little pricey, but worth it. I had asked a few respected nurses (old professors, work mentors, etc) what they would recommend and went from there!

Is there a professional organization for your specialty?

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Specializes in FNP, ONP.

I don't recall doing it as a new RN, but that was a long time ago. I may have.

I do do it now, almost every night. I've only been a NP for three years so am still a novice. I usually spend 60-90 minutes a night reading up on conditions I observed during the day, or doing CME. It helps that I don't watch TV, have a facebook page or enjoy reading fiction. ;) I can't tell you how many times something comes up that I had just studied the week before, lol! I suspect it is a habit I will have for many years to come.

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

Yes, definitely. I am a new RN and it has really helped to review order sets for my hospital. I also like looking up new things I see at work. I think it's a sign of a good nurse to keep learning!

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

I am a new RN and yes, I do. All the time.

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Specializes in Cardiovascular, ER.

Yep - I look things up sometimes after work too! Probably always will.

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