Daily "life savers" for New Nurses?

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Hi everyone,

I just passed NCLEX and will be transferring from my CNA role to an RN position in the hospital I currently work at (yay!!). It will be a new floor and I only know a few people, but they all seem nice and ready to help out.

I am super nervous about beginning orientation and I keep wondering what my first on-the-floor shift will be like. What are some things that helped you guys out during orientation and even the time following orientation? What are things you kept with you to guide you along? I have a few of the Pocket RN guides, but those are bulky. My professor says her previous students keep notes cards of various things that they struggle with (Chest tubes, drug classes, etc) and that they keep them for reference until they feel comfortable with the card.

Basically, how did you survive orientation and begin to feel comfortable in your role as an RN??

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I'm almost off orientation so this is some things ive learned... Usually your first day consists of just shadowing your preceptor and getting the feel of the floor. When you take a patient for the first time soak up all the learning you can because thats when you will have more time to actually listen and learn the most. Adopt a good "nurse brain" (report sheet) early on so you have time to get used to it and be organized. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Its the new grads that seem to know everything that worries the others. :) good luck. Oh, and breathe. You can do it!

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A good report sheet, and keep in kind most places have everything you need to look stuff up. Most of it is online and readily available, but there are also drug books Around everywhere. Just be sure to know where to look up hospital policy. Always follow policy!

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Brain sheet. Locate your "silverbacks" - the nurses who have been one a long time- and utilize their knowledge even if they are growly. Get to work early and review your labs, meds, history and orders. Read the nursing notes so you have some idea what to expect. Use this time to fill out your brain sheet so you can hit the ground running.Big one here :learn to delegate!!! If you do not make use of the CNAs you will struggle.Last, try to leave work at work.

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Thanks guys!! I have been an aid for a few years so I think that helps a little. I am excited to get going and "learn to be a nurse" :)

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