so what is the best and worst advice u received as a nurse and/or student

Tait, MSN, RN · Aug 9, 2009

One of my favorite "nuggets" of advice was when I was 21 and starting my first waitressing job:

"Don't ever let someone else's impatience dictate your speed."

Basically there is only so much you can do at any given moment, and to let someone put you into confusion or stress, doesn't help anything along any faster. So to apply this to nursing:

"Do your best, communicate with your patients, family and co-workers, and don't ever be afraid to set a time limit. "Mr. Jones I have to stop by another room but I will be back in five minutes with your ________". Even people in pain will be patient if you can set a time, and you stick with it."

After some experience you will know how long you might be tied up elsewhere, and if not you learn how you apologize respectfully but without apologizing for doing your job.

Best of luck!

Tait

HealthShepherd · Aug 9, 2009

Good advice: "Never go and get just one of anything. If you need one, you're going to need more."

Good advice: "Never assume the MD/pharmacist/previous nurse/etc. got it right; if you can check for yourself, do so."

talaxandra · Aug 9, 2009

Good advice - never leave a room empty-handed, ie take out rubbish, extra equipment and tidy as you go

Good advice - the first pulse to take in an emergency is your own, ie keep calm as panic makes nothing better

Great advice - get everything you need ready before you grab someone to help you

Straydandelion · Aug 9, 2009

Best advise: Never assume.

Worst advise: You will get used to it. ;-)

tattooednursie, LVN · Aug 9, 2009

Best advice: Never plan on your day to go as expected. Expect the unexpected.

Worst advice: You've gotta be faster when passing meds. (This advice has lead to med errors) In my opinion, it is better to do it right than to do it fast.

mauxtav8r · Aug 9, 2009

Best advice -- Don't expect nursing school to be like "regular college." It is not.

Worst advice -- Expect to lose friends or even your husband during nursing school because it will change you. Well, I was a full grown woman when I went to nursing school so maybe I didn't change all that much, and to my knowledge I only GAINED friendships. My husband was and is my best friend and was the best helper anyone could imagine during nursing school.

VICEDRN, BSN, RN · Aug 9, 2009

Best Advice (for students): Always have a sharpie pen in your pocket and a TON of alcohol wipes as well when in the hospital.

PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN · Aug 9, 2009

Best advice: this too shall pass

Worst advice: it's not as hard as it looks

mmt4 · Aug 9, 2009

Excuse me for jumping in without advice -

I don't have anything to contribute but Tait's comment made me smile because I worked as a waitress the first time in college and "getting in the weeds" was the worst feeling. I worry about getting in the weeds if I do get into nursing school and become a nurse.

I disliked waiting tables but looking back it was good practice for being organized, learning to prioritize, losing the tunnel vision, and dealing with difficult people. Of course its only food so its not the same, but still a worthwhile learning experience.

tomsusandono · Aug 9, 2009

Keep your promises. If you say you will be back in 15 minutes..be back in fifteen minutes.

I used to give my stethoscope to my patients as another reminder to keep my time promise. I couldn't do anything without my stethoscope so it would motivate me to go back to their room. It was a silly way to defuse a tense situation and it was a very practical way to get me back to the room.

JennNJ83 · Aug 9, 2009

Its funny that you said this, because my fear is to "be weeded" and feel the same way I did during my first months as a waitress...but I'm sure the feeling is coming