the big change

The transition for me was not bad but I had some really great preceptors and an amazing charge nurse that has taught me so much. I can imagine the transition being really rough had I not had such strong supports.

I am still transitioning as I am relatively new but things are starting to feel more comfortable and I am starting to feel a little more independent. I know I have a long way to go but it really helps to find a really strong nurse that you know you can come to for help and advice.

My 2 cents.

The transition is difficult (Im just 2 months into it). What I found that has helped is recognizing where to find help in fellow nurses (some are good some arent) As well I chart like I have never charted before and give the best reports possible. When I chart well I have found I have less stress at night worrying about my pts I left behind (I make notes throughout my shift on a seperate pages about things I want to pass on). This way I know I have done all that I can to communicate what happend/needs to be done. Also the med book is your friend, I crack that puppy open a good dozen times a night. Just realize you will be going a lot slower then the seasoned nurses and learn how to best set up your day that works for you! Time management is key, if you have a free moment, you're doing something wrong cause trust me you can fill it with something that will save your butt later in the day when it gets crazy. Also ask for help when you get overloaded and tap into resources at work for new grads.

I am 13 years into my nursing career and have finally hit my stride. This is kind of cliche but time management is the key to a successful shift. It took me several years but I finally came up w/ a method to keep me on track. First, unless there is a true emergency, take 5mni. or so per pt and plan your shift. write down when your meds and proceedures are due, things you need to check on anything that you need to do for that pt that you don't want to forget. (if you don't get around to it all, you will be able to tell the next shift what you didn't get to). also, use this time to check if orders have been done and to check the most recent labs. It sounds like a lot to do when you need to get in to check your pt. but knowing your pt better will help you target your assessment and save you steps (it is annoying and time consuming to go do your assessment and when you come back to the station to chart find that there was a lab or a med due that you could have taken care of while you were in the room).

Another quick tip, keep a pocket notebook or a two inch roll of silk tape on you. If you get into an emergency situation where you will have to act now and chart later, you want something handy you can jot a few notes and times on. I like the two inch tape b/c I can rip off a strip and stick it on my leg so it is right on hand and I never lose it. Good luck!

Thankyou you guys, thats all really great advice. I just interviewed for a float plool type position, and the hospital that I interviewed at does a 40 hour New grad transition, to help ease you into that role. Sounds good, i think that this is the first time that they have ever done that. I to before I start my shift on clinicals, go around and orient myself with my patient, I start a sheet write down main info, look at meds and chart when meds are due, and or procedures. It seems to help me keep on track and what I need to know at what time, I take notes on my hand or paper towel thats a great idea with the tape in the pocket.