Experienced Nurses:If you would have known then what you know now you would have....

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Specializes in MedSurg/Tele.

Experienced nurses if you knew then what you know now what would you have done differently. For example one nurse told me when deflating the balloon of a foley make sure to use more than 2 10 cc syringes to make sure all the fluid has come out. What tips can you give to new nurses that you have learned over the years that you wish you would have known as a new nurse.....Thanks

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Specializes in Medical Surgical.

If someone is diaphoretic and clammy it's usually hypoglycemia.

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Specializes in jack of all trades.
If someone is diaphoretic and clammy it's usually hypoglycemia.

In the above instance if the pt is female definitely investigate further as they may not have chest pain. I have had women pts show symptoms very atypical having an acute MI. Wow this is a great question but I could fill up this forum with them lol. Biggest thing is LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN. Things may not always be what they seem on the outside.

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Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.
If someone is diaphoretic and clammy it's usually hypoglycemia.

Yes and no:

could also be.....

Anesthesia.

MI

sepsis.

There are many, but hypoglycemia should be the top of the list.

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Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

Learn to prioritize.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

I'm not very experienced, but the best advice I have is to help others when you can, and don't be afraid to ask for help when needed.

Nurses have to work together to make it through some shifts.

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Specializes in trauma, ortho, burns, plastic surgery.

Belive in your sixth sense if it told you that somenthing is wrong...IS WRONG, how wrong could be... well... depend...from a false alarm...till a closed to death!

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Specializes in CCU,ICU,ER retired.

There are no stupid questions!!!! If you don't know ASK anyone or two or three. Don't guess and don't act like you know everything.

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Specializes in School Nursing.

I would have gotten my year of med/surg no matter how miserable it was.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I would have double-majored as an undergraduate -- choosing my 2nd major (or minor) in a field that would enhance the scholarly side of my career -- a major (or minor) that would open up additional possibilities for my career over the long haul.

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I would have gone straight into the speciality I was interested in and NOT done the 2 years in med surg. Now all they want is "experienced" nurses in the specialities, and jobs are tough to get to switch out.

I think all of the other lessons, well, there's no WAY I could have known what I know now, and the lessons, although hard, were good ones and I'm glad for what I've learned.

I'd say I wish I would have shadowed way, way more on the unit I'm on, but how is one to do this?

I'd say to anyone -- be careful about joining a new upstart unit. It will be unorganized, in flux, and weird things will happen. I can't believe what I've survived.

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if I had known then what i know now I would have keep going on the the highest level even though I hate paper work and would prefer to spend ny time with the patients I realize that you have to keep upgrading your self to stay in this field.:twocents:

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