Help! New Grad in Peds....

boobaby42 · May 16, 2002

This is how I handled my first few months on pedi.

Listen to the parent's, they know their child better than anyone.

Put yourself in a scared little toddler's place, especially when faced with an intrusive procedure. Hug them, kiss them, and talk to them. Don't talk around them. Always try to let them see their parent, if feasible, when doing procedures.

While they are asleep at night (if they sleep), get the charts, a reference book, and do a little research on each case. That always helped me remember why, when, where, how a procedure was done or why a diagnosis was made. It also gave me good ideas about questions to ask the pediatricians when they rounded. Look at all the lab work and dx procedures on your patients. Find the rational behind each order. Stuff like that always interested me. If you look it up yourself rather than asking someone else, you'll never forget it.

Study for PALS while the children rest.

Hopefully, you'll have supportive staff that will nurture you and help you in order to retain your services. You'll love it!

ShelleyRN · May 18, 2002

Anther thing is to try and always have a resource or a buddy. If you have any doubt at all, always ask! Even if you think it's a stupid question, if it could prevent an error, it's worth asking!

I know that I tell the new grads/new hires that I precept that being hired onto nights is a great place to learn... you aren't overwhelmed with rounds or tests or people taking your chart... you can just (ideally) come in and take care of your patients. The shifts usually start busy, but generally after 1 or 2am you'll have some down time to study or research things.

Good luck! Shelley

WalMart_ADN · Jun 10, 2002

ME TOO.

i graduated may 17th, and i start my job at a childrends hospital july 15th and i am SCARED OUT OF MY MIND. i have'nt had peds experiance since my first year of college. How much will I be expected to know???

biscuit_007 · Jun 11, 2002

hey Wal Mart,

You are only expected to know basic nursing coming out of school. When i started in peds i was already an experienced nurse and I am here to tell you that it didn't help me a whole lot. The fact is that peds nursing is a whole different animal. They are NOT little adults. They are very different and you will learn how different as you progress. Welcome to what I consider the best job in nursing, taking care of patients who really appreciate you for being a nurse. There is no better place to be in nursing.

nurse4kids · Jul 3, 2002

Biscuit,

Thanks for being so positive and encouraging. I take my boards July 19th and have a job waiting for me (as long as I pass ), on a pediatric floor at a nearby hospital. Although I'm nervous, I'm also very excited and ready to put my 4 very hard years of schooling to work.

I agree with you 110% in that there is no better place to be in nursing than on a pediatric floor.

Thanks again for being so positive, I could "feel it." :)

Hugs....

lindagio · Jul 13, 2002

I am also tkaing my NCLEX soon hopefully in September(no date yet). I have a job working in a pediatric hospital starting in Med surg area. I will be working rotating shift 12 hours. 7a -7p and then 7p-7a another week. I am excited to start but really nervous. I appreciate any advice on how to make it through my first year.

Peds_Theresa · Jul 16, 2002

I have been a peds nurse for a little over 15 years. I have loved every single second of it. I hope you find peds as rewarding as I have.

One of the most important things to remember is kids ARE NOT just little adults. You will hear this said by many people that have never worked in pediatrics. Kids are able to compensate for a long time and then crash in 2 seconds. The other thing is listen to the parents. When they say "I don't know what it is but, something is wrong." They are usually right.

There is always something knew happening in the pediatric field. You will be learning something new every day you work.

Good Luck,

Theresa

(I just finished my 5th 12 hr night shift so if this does not make since, sorry):)

live4today, RN · Jul 16, 2002

I loved working on Pediatrics! Pedi kids are different to work with in comparison to adult patients. Their vital signs are completey different up to the age of about 14-16 years of age...depending on their body mass/index/weight/etc....for drug calculation purposes. Lots of RSV, URI, Juvenile Diabetics, cardiac anamolies, dermatology diseases, various terminal illnesses, sickle cell patients, FTTs (Failure To Thrive babies), organ transplant patients (mostly liver, kidney, and heart) who are repeaters or get admitted d/t onset of infection, orthopedic, neurology, and other illnesses as well. You'll definitely witness and learn a lot about the various things that pedi kids live with day in day out.

I wish you well in your new job, and good luck on passing your NCLEX! :nurse: