Bathroom Break to Research Procedures

[Quinofgrace]

Hi,

I have come to find the saying, "A nurse never stops learning" ever so true these days. There are so many new procedures and instead of declining assignments because I'm not super familiar with some of the work I'll have to be doing, I'm having to make quick bathroom breaks to do a quick Google Or YouTube search to either familiarize or refamiliarize myself with these procedures. Add that to my charge nurse if she's available and I'm getting my hands more adept at new procedures. The only issue I have is with patient safety being a concern, I'm always needing my charge nurse to be with me when I have to do something for the very first time. She's beginning to complain saying I'm pulling her too much.

Have you had similar situations? How would you handle a situation where you're having to do a new procedure you're not familiar with? What are some procedures you're having to research in your daily nursing duties? What are some resources you use?

Thanks so much in advance for your kind answers.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

The problem with using YouTube is that it is likely not performed per your facility's protocol. In fact it might not even be done correctly since ANYONE can post a video on YouTube. That being said, I too have used YouTube as a source to help, but not as my only source. Your facility might use Mosby's or some other online source that they recommend to use for research. I'd ask your educator what resources the facility wants you to use.

Also did you inform your charge nurse of why you are asking for so much help? They should be thrilled that you are trying to learn as many skills/procedures as possible. Learning it right the first time is important.

[klone, MSN, RN]

Your unit should have a "nursing skills" text book. If they don't, you should request they do.

[brownbook]

I think what you are doing is okay, as others have posted you shouldn't ONLY use you tube.

I'm a little confused. Are you a newish grad? How long have you worked on your unit.

It seems like a good basic orientation would cover most "routine" procedure, though there is no shame in asking for help after you're out of orientation.

If it's a new procedure it seems your supervisor or nursing education should be giving the whole unit an in-service.

But irregardless never stop admitting something is new to you, or you only did it once a year ago, and will need help.

[JKL33]

Please don't hide in the bathroom.

Carry yourself with the confidence that comes with knowing that there is no shame in not instantly knowing all of these things, and there is definitely no shame in seeking to do them correctly. Find out where your legitimate resources are, ASAP - the ones approved by your facility. There are two specific things I would lay your hands on right away: A procedure/skills book (such as klone mentioned) that is approved by your facility and your facility's Policy and Procedure manuals (either in huge binder form or on your website).

Trying to do this in secret is going to make people more suspicious; it kind of broadcasts your lack of confidence...which, I am sorry to say, will make things rough for you.

Chin up/take heart. You can do this. Find these resources right away.

Good luck ~

[Sour Lemon]

Hi,

I have come to find the saying, "A nurse never stops learning" ever so true these days. There are so many new procedures and instead of declining assignments because I'm not super familiar with some of the work I'll have to be doing, I'm having to make quick bathroom breaks to do a quick Google Or YouTube search to either familiarize or refamiliarize myself with these procedures. Add that to my charge nurse if she's available and I'm getting my hands more adept at new procedures. The only issue I have is with patient safety being a concern, I'm always needing my charge nurse to be with me when I have to do something for the very first time. She's beginning to complain saying I'm pulling her too much.

Have you had similar situations? How would you handle a situation where you're having to do a new procedure you're not familiar with? What are some procedures you're having to research in your daily nursing duties? What are some resources you use?

Thanks so much in advance for your kind answers.

Ah, that brings back memories. I used to look things up in secret as a new grad, then one day I just grabbed my med surg book and opened up right in the nurses station. Taking some initiative is better than asking someone to spoon-feed you every detail. Not knowing everything is nothing to be ashamed of.