Starting in med surg after time away from bedside

[Flwrntgal]

Hi All,

So, I have had a very diverse career in nursing. Over the last couple years, I have wanted to get back into hospital nursing. I am hired to start a 13 wk contract at a great hospital in WI. I want to do well. I will be working nts and am just curious if someone can give me some tips for how to be a successful nurse and well liked on the unit.

[oceanblue52]

What does NTS stand for? What other jobs have you worked?

[NedRN]

Nights I think.

Pretend you are a woman breaking into a man's field or a person of color. Uber professional is the way to go. Travelers do not have the staff family get-out-of-jail-free card to play and a single cross word can end your assignment. Don't gossip or otherwise be drawn into unit politics. Be friendly, and greet peers and support staff (especially important in the South and Virgin Islands). Be as efficient as possible and help less efficient or struggling staff. At some assignments, you may float every 4 hours, so always staying caught up on paperwork can save you. Until staff learns you are a great nurse, do not suggest or ask if they would like to learn a better way to do things, or that at your previous job you did not do it that way.

Sometimes buying a dozen donuts goes a long way, as artificial as that might seem. Or homemade treats.

[Travel_RN1]

great suggestions. i'm almost completing my first travel assignment, and staying out of gossip, and being neutral is the key!