Advice for RNs who are still wet behind the ears

[suture_self]

Here's the scenario: I was about to leave for home from my microbiology class, when suddenly another student (a nice lady who moonlights as an LPN) starts up a conversation that... well, I found intriguing.

She said that she knows more than most newly-graduated RNs do. She said she's constantly instructing them on this or that - and that they defer to her and her judgement most of the time.

Like I said, it sparked my interest because frankly, I might be one of those guys one day. I wouldn't be completely helpless, but c'mon... as a newly-graduated nurse, how can I (or anybody, for that matter), with limited clinical experience, be expected to know everything?

And so I'm wondering: What advice can existing RNs and/or LPNs give to RNs who are still wet behind the ears? What kind of dynamic (ie: working relationship) can be mutually beneficial to both helper and helpee? Any stories? Am I opening a can of worms?

[yvonnemuse, BSN, RN]

I agree that staying ore than 20 minutes after the end of shift to chart indicates a need to look at time management especially if everyone else is gone on the dot.I found that I never took a break and ended up watching other nurses patient's while they ate and smoked. Feel free to say NO!YOUR refueling of your energy and brain makes you a better nurse! If you run yourself ragged 1) you end up resentful 2)you are more prone to errors 3) yours skills and efficiency deteriorates.

Good luck

[mydesygn]

Here's the scenario: I was about to leave for home from my microbiology class, when suddenly another student (a nice lady who moonlights as an LPN) starts up a conversation that... well, I found intriguing.

She said that she knows more than most newly-graduated RNs do. She said she's constantly instructing them on this or that - and that they defer to her and her judgement most of the time.

Like I said, it sparked my interest because frankly, I might be one of those guys one day. I wouldn't be completely helpless, but c'mon... as a newly-graduated nurse, how can I (or anybody, for that matter), with limited clinical experience, be expected to know everything?

And so I'm wondering: What advice can existing RNs and/or LPNs give to RNs who are still wet behind the ears? What kind of dynamic (ie: working relationship) can be mutually beneficial to both helper and helpee? Any stories? Am I opening a can of worms?

One of the things I find helpful is to get to know your secretary and nursing aides on a personal - respect their job and never patronize them and they will always be willing to help with a smile. Good ancillary staff can do wonders but you must respect them for what they do.

[suture_self]

I never imagined the responses to my thread would be so comprehensive and enthusiastic! I must say that I am overwhelmed with gratitude as well as humbled by everyone's experience and advice. Such a wealth of knowledge...

Thanks!

[scrmblr]

One of the things I find helpful is to get to know your secretary and nursing aides on a personal - respect their job and never patronize them and they will always be willing to help with a smile. Good ancillary staff can do wonders but you must respect them for what they do.

That is so important! Respect your tech's/CNA'S/MA's and unit sec's. Really respect them and they will help you imeasurably.

[evans_c1]

I agree with most posters here..I am a brand new nurse and have learned a lot from just the aides on the unit. knowledge is important, as is furthering your education, but experience is a new realm of knowledge.

[NurseWi_JennJenn]

Thank you so much! I have printed the advice Tim! I wish I had you as my preceptor right now!!!

[ZASHAGALKA, RN]

I only have one question. Why would you not admit to not knowing something in front of a pt??? I respect a nurse who can say "good question! I'm not 100% sure of the answer, but if you give me just a second I will find out" and come back to the pt after I have looked it up or asked another nurse.

I was gone "camping" for a week and left right after I first posted in this thread. So, I hadn't had a chance to answer this question until now.

I think that it IS ok to admit that you don't know everything. Interpersonal relationships are unique and everyone with every pt will be equally unique.

My line of thinking is this: nursing is at least as much acting as it is skill. Your pts are set at ease OR NOT, based on their impressions of YOU. A pt at ease with you will be more cooperative to YOUR care, less concerned about THEIR care, and they will rest easier. Not to sound too Nightingaleish, but a resting pt is at optimal healing.

All of this being the case, I have found that one of the KEY assessments being made about YOU by YOUR pts is your competence. If you ACT like you don't have your act together, it will show. If you ACT like you DO have your act together, it will show.

Nursing is at least a large measure of acting. And your acting: you are acting competent and confident.

I merely provide a tip to protect that assessment of competence. I don't say that it needs to be followed for every pt in every situation. I am known to say 'I don't know' lots of times to pts. But NEVER when I feel that it calls my competence into question.

My competence is my biggest selling point. I am highly competent (backed by years of experience). But even starting out, I soon realized that the IMAGE of competence goes a long way.

In nursing school, I watched a nurse that it seemed (to me) that all the pts and co-workers just loved. I watched and watched to learn the secret of her gift. I couldn't tell that she was a better skilled nurse. But, she literally oozed confidence, competence and a friendly demeanor.

I learned that these were wonderful traits to PROJECT. And, they have served me well over the years.

And THAT was my point.

~faith,

Timothy.