Do I even know the basics?

Editorial Team / Moderator · Dec 19, 2009

Is this a distance learning program?

smitty10 · Dec 20, 2009

Hey there congrats to you, but it sounds like you need to get yourself a nursing skills book and read over your fundamentals book. My weakness was writing a NCP. I picked up my skills book and now have a better understanding and feel very confident in creating one. Hope this helps!

smitty

emijen2girls · Dec 20, 2009

I would not worry. There is so much nursing school does not teach you. In regards to IV set up: when you get a job you will have some orientation period and your preceptor should teach you that, also, different hospital use different pumps (IV, feeding etc) so you can ask ("I used IV tubing and pumps before but hey were different than this one.."). I got a job at a hospital 1.5 years ago after being out of the hospital setting for 7 years. I had a full month of orientation and had to re-learn how to set IV pumps, PCA pumps etc. I asked staff (and still do) and they are very helpful.In regards to meds: I think it is important to tell your patient what meds they are taking (and the name of it is right on the MAR) and what it does (decrease blood pressure, anticoagulant etc,). Most med-rooms at the hospital have a current drug book (I bought a pocket one at Barnes and Noble for $11 and also have a clip board that opens and store it in it Walmart $10). I would look up the drug before giving it, just a quick look (the patient won't ask as many questions as your instructor). At the end of my shift I would highlight those drugs in my personal drug book and read at home. You will find out that you pretty much give the same drugs (unless you are in the float pool and go everywhere). At the surgical floor for example I give:Heparin, fragmin, albumin, potassium, magnesium, nexium etc. Also most elderly patients will be on blood pressure/cholesterol meds.

I am sure you will do fine.:redbeathe

caliotter3 · Dec 20, 2009

You can ask questions on the job, especially to the person who will be precepting you. Meds can be looked up as you do your med pass. There is usually a med book on the cart or you can bring your own. As for the equipment, IV and otherwise, just ask someone to show you how to use it. When you are new, they will expect you to be asking questions. Nobody is looking for you to go in there and do it all from the start however nice that fantasy might be. Stop worrying yourself to death.

tyandgil · Dec 31, 2009

These are all good posts and I appreciate all the confidence & encouragement. Like I said before, I know how to take care of patients very well and know the basics on that, but the meds and IV's scare me. It's good to know that nurses learn these kinds of things in their orientation. I kind of figured that but I think I'm just panicking because I'm ready to graduate in 10 weeks as a GPN. I know I'm going into RN program and eventually get my bachelors so I know I'm still gonna learn a lot, but it's very intimidating when I'm not confident with myself.

Thanks to all. :yeah: