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Discussion

Advice, Tricks and Experience

I recently graduated with my ADN (Dec) and passed NCLEX (Jan), accepted into BSN program (start in May) and now just got my first job as an RN!

I decided to look outside the box a little and will be moving out of state so I start in 3.5 weeks on a Neuro/Ortho/Surgical Unit. So I'm a little anxious about the move, a little anxious about a new job in a new career field and while I'm very excited for this opportunity, I'm just anxious right now (have I mentioned some anxiety?!). It will be much better once I find a place to live, that's my biggest hangup right now.

To all the old crusty bats and others with experience, what advice do you have for the new RN? Any tricks of the trade for a new nurse? The do's and don'ts?

Thanks!

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    Hey!! Congrats!

    I'm a pretty new RN too, but I'm thankfully not a new Grad anymore LOL. And I work on a general surgery/ortho floor.

    Do be on time (or even earlier)

    Do find a good report sheet (attaching mine, modified version of one I found on allnurses)

    Do ask appropriate questions

    Do all your online training on time

    Do ask for feedback

    Do not hesitate to ask for a new preceptor if you feel it's not a good match

    Do not hesitate to ask for extra orientation

    Do know what you need to say when calling doctors

    Do call doctors/PAs with lab issues right away

    Do be ready with pain and nausea medication for your fresh post ops (OK you don't have to have them in hand, but they will need it)

    Do start your blood transfusions early and try to have them finished by next shift (you will be giving many of them)

    Do start your pre-op checklists earlier than later

    Do get SCDs and TED stockings for your surgical patients as ordered

    Do start bowel preps and not leave them for next shift

    Do not write people up for no good reason

    Do use infection control techniques

    Do bring in food for your coworkers

    Do not be afraid to question a med order or hold a medication, but follow up

    Do delegate (it's how you survive)

    Do document as you go

    Do make a schedule for yourself to help organize

    Do not get involved in the drama

    Do stay for at least a year

    Do express your thanks to your coworkers

    Do not be afraid to ask for help

    Do use your resources

    Do not throw away your nursing text books

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    Thanks :) I appreciate the feedback

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