things I didn't learn in nursing school

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Hey guys, I am putting a video together for our instructors. It is going to be like Lettermans top 10 list. This one will be top 10 thinks they didn't teach me in nursing school. Any and all replies appreciated.

Specializes in Education, Acute, Med/Surg, Tele, etc.

Wow...what to choose! LOL!

*More classes about thoughts on death and dying and how to cope (for nurses).

*MUCH better classes on narcotic drugs and how to use them for comfort measures.

*A real indepth class on the many products for wounds/skin care.

*Probelm solving on g-tubes! (was mentioned but worth repeating!).

*Option for paramedic ride alongs for nurses interested in ED or Trauma.

*A class on vitamins and some naturalpathic medications

*Special electives in computer charting, stress management, time management, how to handle bullies or poor work ethics in the workplace, and how to keep your family from going insane while you are in school!

*Classes on laws surounding DNR, and end of life issues so nurses can be on the same page...heck teach the docs..we seem to know more about them anyway! LOL!

*Machines...what they do, how they work, why we use them, what can go wrong (IE IV pumps, EKG, AED, pulse ox).

*ELective on how to cope with working nights! ohhhhhh that would have been a great one!

*Extra credit clinical during the summer for diabetics, blind, MS, etc...childrens camps!

OH boy I better stop thinking now...I will make this one long! LOL!!!!!!!

I learned most my skills like everyone else seems to..by getting out there, and always being open and volunteering for new experiences :) (and coming here! That has really been helpful!!!!!).

Specializes in CICu, ICU, med-surg.
Shaving cream works great to remove dried BM from skin, and makes the pt smell better, too.

YES! This is one of the greatest tip I got while doing my critical care rotation. I thought the nurse was crazy when she started putting shaving cream on the patient's butt! It sure works great though!

Specializes in Cardiac/telemetry.

I keep checking back hoping for more!

Wow...what to choose! LOL!

*ELective on how to cope with working nights! ohhhhhh that would have been a great one!

Would this class be offer at night time?:)

-Dan

YES! This is one of the greatest tip I got while doing my critical care rotation. I thought the nurse was crazy when she started putting shaving cream on the patient's butt! It sure works great though!

Another great remedy for dried on poo is lotion. Doesn't matter what kind.

Pat :D

Specializes in L&D/Mother-Baby.

I am a nursing student about to enter clinicals in the Spring(waiting for my acceptance call in three weeks), however, I have been volunteering at a Level I Trauma ED in NYC for two months now and I can tell you that I have seen things that I never imagined possible. Since this program is very specialized, I get to be in the front lines observing and assisting doctors and nurses with patient care and patient advocacy.

Most of what has been said on this thread is very true and worth keeping in the back of your mind. In speaking with nurses in the ED I volunteer in, they always tell me that most if not all of your nursing magic is learned on the job. Hopefully this volunteer experience will help prepare me for things to come.

Keep them comin'......

Happy Holidays to all!!!:balloons:

Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

A few of the things I never learned in nursing school:

1) That panic never made anything better, including code situations and when confused patients pull out their central lines and wander off down the hall looking for a cab.

2) That it's better to enter the demented patient's reality, instead of trying to impose yours on her.

3) That all bleeding/vomiting/drainage/pain/kvetching stops......eventually.

4) That it doesn't take any longer to be nice than it does to be rude and abrupt.

5) That investing 10 minutes in your 'difficult' patient at the beginning of the shift will save you a lot of trips down the hall later on. ;)

Specializes in PCU, Critical Care, Observation.

Two major things I didn't learn in nursing school:

1) That Vic's vapor rub would become my best friend during clinicals.

2) That "Go-lytely" is an oxymoron!!!! :chuckle

Specializes in OB.

I am just finishing up my first year as a new nurse in L&D, so from someone fresh out of school.....

1. Never start a conversation with a doctor "I am sorry to bother you but," I makes you sound like you are not sure if you should be calling them.

2. Eat your lunch whenever you get a minute, if you wait until your "lunch break" you may not eat until you get home.

3. When rushing a patient to the OR in thier bed, make sure there is someone to open the OR doors in time! Those beds are way to heavy to stop that quickly.

4. Never say out loud "wow, it looks like we are going to have a slow night!"

5. Always have a pair of gloves in your pocket! you never know when you might need them.

You can tell by looking at the patient that they'll be back with an infection before the surgery/procedure is even done.

"Degloving" is exactly what is sounds like including the toes (not just fingers).

Sometimes in surgery the docs, nurses and techs lean on you to do what they need to do- so that "chest pain" is just a sore chest.

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