Book recommendations for new ambulatory care nurse?

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Specializes in Ambulatory Case Management, Clinic, Psychiatry.

After 8 years in psych nursing, I have just accepted a floating outpatient clinic nurse position. I will be floating through adult and family primary care mostly, but also urgent care and obgyn. Seems like the biggest part of the role will be tele triage. I have no peds or ob experience.

Any recs for books? Is it worth buying a copy of the Briggs book for myself to review before I start (I have 5wks, unfortunately)? Also do you recommend aacns 'core curriculum of ambulatory nursing'? Are these worth the money and/or do you recommend anything else? I have not done many procedures except the occasional basic wound care (following instructions) and IV fluids. I need to brush up on these as well. I have only done psych (although 3 yrs w a health and wellness teaching focus) so I feel like there's a lot to learn and Re learn!!

Any recs would be greatly appreciated!!!!

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ivyleaf,

Before you go out and buy a book, find out if your clinic has one. When I started at my clinic, mostly tele-triage, I found out they have several copies of the book that I bought for more than $50! No one seems to consult the books, as the questions are fairly standard nursing 101, and the triage staff depends on one another for answers.

The most challenging part of the job will be: 1) Volume. Lots of calls from patients on all kinds of issues, many of which are administrative in nature. 2) Which MDs will likely be efficient in getting back to you with answers to questions that you will not be able to answer. Know the players. 3) Ensure your work chair is adjustable and has good back support, otherwise you will have at least one sore shoulder during your shift, and the pain will never go away unless you fix your chair!

Do not worry. If they hired you, they see something in you they want. Likely kindness and willingness to learn. It will be frustrating at first, but stay in the saddle and look for every learning opportunity.

(:

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Try renting a Peds and/or OB/GYN nursing textbook.

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