A Word to New Nurses

bluegeegoo2, LPN

I have recently had several new nurses to orient not only to my facility, but to LTC and nursing in general. This obviously does not apply to all new nurses as some have done well but are some observations that I have made that will help you along with developing your practice:

1. Ask questions.

Please. Many times I have oriented new nurses who will not ask a single question or will only ask one or two the entire shift. How can I help you learn if you don't let me know where you need direction?

2. Don't tell me you're "fine" or "ok"

When I ask how you're doing when you're clearly not "fine" or "ok." I can tell by the look on you're face that you're struggling. I ask how you are doing because I see you struggling and I'm offering to help you. Please take me up on the offer.

3. Understand that I'm going to have you do complicated drsg changes, tube feedings, injections, etc.

I know you said you're not comfortable doing them. I will walk you through. I have you do them even though you're nervous because orientation time is limited, and I'm giving you the opportunity to learn with guidance before you're on your own. Even then, you can still come get me if nerves are getting the best of you. With time, you'll gain confidence.

4. You can not learn everything there is to know during orientation.

Learning to nurse is mostly on the job training, and is on-going. I learn new things nearly daily. Nursing skills develop over time. A long time. I'm not the same nurse as I was when I started, and will likely not be the same nurse a year from now. Nursing is truly an evolutionary process.

5. It's OK and perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed at times.

I have personally excused myself to a quiet place for a good cry in the middle of shift. Recently. Just know that while the duties of the job do not change much, you're ability to handle it does. In other words, the job doesn't get easier. You learning to manage your time more effectively makes it easier to handle.

6. There are no "stupid questions."

7. Be honest about what you need.

If you're supervisor or another nurse asks how it's going, be honest with your answer. "I'm feeling pretty good about A, B, and C, but I'm having some issues with 1, 2 and 3." That way, you avail yourself to many years of experience and guidance from others.

8. If you're a new RN learning from a seasoned (baked or fried? ) LVN, or a new LVN being taught something by a CNA, please don't let your title get in the way.

I have seen that happen first hand. Remember as a new nurse, titles mean nothing. Experience does. I have learned (and still learn) a lot from CNA's and others. Also listen to what everyone including housekeeping and dietary people have to say. These people likely know the residents as well as the culture of the facility, and you would be wise to pay attention to them.

I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea. Please feel free to add any other suggestions or observations.

A Word to New Nurses

1. Ask questions.

2. Don't tell me you're "fine" or "ok"

3. Understand that I'm going to have you do complicated drsg changes, tube feedings, injections, etc.

4. You can not learn everything there is to know during orientation.

5. It's OK and perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed at times.

6. There are no "stupid questions."

7. Be honest about what you need.

8. If you're a new RN learning from a seasoned (baked or fried? ) LVN, or a new LVN being taught something by a CNA, please don't let your title get in the way.

About bluegeegoo2, LPN

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