Homework assignment due tomorrow!!!

MA2006 · Jan 23, 2008

BUMP- The answers can be short and to the point. I just need some responses. Thank you in advance.

Dolce, RN · Jan 23, 2008

Question 1

List two differences between working as a RN and being a nursing student.

1) The entire responsibility for the patient is in your hands as an RN, as a student you are working under constant supervision.

2) The workload that I juggle as an RN is way heavier than what I had as a SN. I am supervising students and CNAs, calling docs, coordinating with the charge nurse, collaborating with PT, ST, OT, RT, nutrition--all of that on top of a heavy patient load.

Question 2

List three things that helped you succeed in your role as a professional nurse.

1). Double check. Double check. Double check.

2). If you don't know the answer, look it up or ask someone, read about it when you get home at the end of the day. Never stop studying.

3). Never, ever be afraid to say "I don't know" or "I've never heard of that/seen that/done that before." People can tell when you are faking it and patients are much safer having nurses who know what they are doing, even if that requires getting help.

Question 3

What are your thoughts and suggestions on dealing with multiple patients?

1). Write down important info on your brain sheet.

2). Check on all your patients immediately at the start of shift. I've seen a lot of nurses check their email, chat, look up drugs, etc before checking on all their patients first.

3). Prioritize the important tasks and get those accomplished first.

4). Don't save anything for the last 1-2 hours of your shift because that is typically when all hell breaks loose. :eek:

5). Treat each patient like they are your only patient. Even if you are crazy, crazy busy do not allow the patient to think that you do not have the time to spend with him. An unhurried approach in the room in regard to patient care, passing meds and doing vitals may add a few seconds to your day but it puts the patient in a much easier state of mind.

Jo Dirt · Jan 23, 2008

Hello everyone!
I am hoping that a couple of you gals/guys can help me with this assignment. I need a couple of RNs with more than 6 months/less than 4 years on the job experience to answer three basic questions regarding your role as a professional nurse versus being a student nurse.
Question 1
List two differences between working as a RN and being a nursing student.
Question 2
List three things that helped you succeed in your role as a professional nurse.
Question 3
What are your thoughts and suggestions on dealing with multiple patients?
I really appreciate your help, I didn't realize this was due tomorrow...
Thank you!

I've been an RN two years.

Question #1:

1. Biggest difference is that YOU are responsible for the patient, not the school or your instructor or the primary nurse.

2. Much lighter workloads as a student.

Question #2:

1. Learning to prioritize

2. Forgiving myself for making a mistake

3. Not taking things so personally

Question #3:

Speaking as a nurse on a nursing home floor with more than 40 patients, when you have multiple patients prioritization and organization are imperative. When you come onto the floor to take report, do a walk-through with the offgoing nurse if at all possible, find out which patients are least stable and focus on their needs first. Keep your notepad with you and utilize it. As a practicing nurse you are not responsible for memorization so use whatever cheat sheets and references you need. I had a drug book on my medicine cart and kept my med surg book in the med room.

MA2006 · Jan 23, 2008

Dolce- Thank you soo much for replying. I will include your responses as long as I have your permission. This assignment is basically supposed to help prepare us for when we graduate in May so I will definitely keep your words of wisdom in mind when I start practicing as a nurse, godwilling I graduate and pass boards. Thanks again!

MA2006 · Jan 23, 2008

Bump- One more response would be greatly appreciated.

Dolce, RN · Jan 23, 2008

Dolce- Thank you soo much for replying. I will include your responses as long as I have your permission. This assignment is basically supposed to help prepare us for when we graduate in May so I will definitely keep your words of wisdom in mind when I start practicing as a nurse, godwilling I graduate and pass boards. Thanks again!

Of course you have my permission! Hope you do well on your assignment!

MA2006 · Jan 23, 2008

Thank you for the permission and the well wishes. I am sure your comments will mean alot to many of my fellow classmates as well.

mudget · Jan 23, 2008

MA2006,

I know it's late, but here are my thoughts...

Question 1

List two differences between working as a RN and being a nursing student.

Working as an RN, even when not in the hospital setting, is an actual responsibility. By that I guess I mean that what you do is in fact REAL. When you are a student, I don't think it really feels that people are depending on you.

Question 2

List three things that helped you succeed in your role as a professional nurse.

1) Organization

2) Dedication to your patients

3) Notes...You still have to take notes.

Question 3

What are your thoughts and suggestions on dealing with multiple patients?

You really must be organized. No matter where you work, multiple patients demand good organization.

Good luck on your assignment.

MA2006 · Jan 23, 2008

Better later than never, it is really appreciated, thank you.

mudget · Jan 23, 2008

Hey Ma2006,

You are still up? Would you like anymore info?

M

AprilRNhere · Jan 23, 2008

I hope your assignment is done by now..but just in case...

Question 1

List two differences between working as a RN and being a nursing student. Being responsible for your actions....and knowing a mistake won't get stopped before you make it by your instructor. Critical thinking....as much as they pushed it in school....my critical thinking skills just took off once I was responsible and really had to think through entire processes.

Question 2

List three things that helped you succeed in your role as a professional nurse. Time management, willingness to call the dr, willingness to ask questions. (floor nurses dislike new nurses who act like they already know it all)

Question 3

What are your thoughts and suggestions on dealing with multiple patients? Prioritize...and don't let the pt know you're rushed. Take the extra time..even if you don't have it. If a pt has to wait for you they might already be annoyed...if you obviously rush in and out...they'll quickly become irate. Make sure you take care of ALL of their needs before moving on. Don't give them a specific time you'll be back...you might not be able to.

Good luck on your assignment.