First day as a Nurse.

1fastRN · Mar 14, 2014

-So, I just walk into the room and start talking to the patient? Seemed so awkward at first, now, I don't bat at eye at the fact.

-How the hell do I do an assessment again?

-I've never started an IV on an actual person!

-Which blood tube is for what test?

-Administering blood felt like the most serious task in the world.

-I was so nervous to approach doctors in fear of sounding stupid.

-None of the techs respected me. I barely delegated anything which left me to drown.

-Who do I call for this? Where do I send the patient for this test? Logistics were a hurdle for sure.

-I have no idea what I'm doing! School did not prepare me for any of this!

-Oh my god this patient is hypotensive! Deer in the headlights, what do I do!

-OMG, chest pain! What do I do!

-Fetal heart rate?? AH, I never wanted to be an OB nurse!

-Giving the most terrible, scatter-brained shift reports in the world.

Sassy5d · Mar 15, 2014

How about the awkwardness of genital procedures? Lol

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Mar 15, 2014

Take your won pulse first....then breathe...you got this!

NurseOnAMotorcycle, ASN, RN · Mar 16, 2014

Just go in and introduce yourself. "Hi, I'm NoaM. I'm going to be your nurse today. Right now I'm going to check you over and see how you're doing."

Then theyll relax and and your brain will too so you can think.

You are never alone!! If someone codes, you just yell for help.

1fastRN · Mar 17, 2014

You are never alone!! If someone codes, you just yell for help.

This is why I love my ED. I think back and laugh, my patient was headed south out of no where but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I called in another RN walking by who I'm now friends with. I literally said, "I just need a second set of eyes real quick, she looks like crap, right?"

It wasn't weird at the time, but I think back and crack up about my choice of words. :)