First Job as new grad.

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Jul 20, 2014

There are literally hundreds of conversations on here that cover this topic.

Try to be organized from day 1. Some people take notes on everything. Do what works for you. Ask questions but not when the other nurse is pouring meds. Do things the right way from day one so the right thing becomes your habit. Don't be discouraged...it takes months for most new nurses to feel comfortable in their new role.

Good CNAs are worth their weight in gold...if they tell you something about a resident, check it out. You want them on your side.

Good luck.

anewsns · Jul 20, 2014

Just smile at people a lot, this sounds really dumb, but when you have a lot of allies you'll get tons of help naturally.. Try to be appropriate with questions.. This is a busy environment but there are not many emergencies so try to think things through. Don't let anxiety get in the way of your thinking. I know that "there are no stupid questions" but try to develop a thought process first before deciding what you really don't know.. Other nurses will appreciate this and you'll gain respect quickly. Hopefully you'll be in a naturally supportive environment too like I am. Try to do an admission early because it will help you understand orders, pharmacy, paperwork, charts, meds, doctors, assessments. Also a lot of people on long term have like really bad health but you're trying to keep them comfortable for the most part which can give you good assessments without the pressure of acting immediately. Doctors: our house doctor tells us to have our ducks in a row. Have your ducks in a row from day one and you'll have their respect too (respect makes life so much more comfortable.) when I call I try to state a brief synopsis of the problem.. He's usually already seen the person fairly recently. But just know your doctors. Treat your CNAs well and they will do anything for you as soon as you ask. Med pass: just go slow at first. Despite the strong feeling of pressure from times, caution is most important. However I do try to be timely with heart meds, antibiotics, and sinemet. And what's cool about long term care is you can take a ton of time on skills like catheter insertion/ picc lines etc. It feels really high pressure and busy but just put things into perspective a little and you'll be good.

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Jul 20, 2014

"Despite the strong feeling of pressure, the state does not march in and start interrogating you if your 10 AM colace, celexa, norco, and iron were given at 1145."...hmmm, well, yeah you can get cited for giving meds late. Unfortunately, it all depends on the surveyor and their mood that day.

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Jul 20, 2014

"Despite the strong feeling of pressure, the state does not march in and start interrogating you if your 10 AM colace, celexa, norco, and iron were given at 1145."...hmmm, well, yeah you can get cited for giving meds late. Unfortunately, it all depends on the surveyor and their mood that day.

This is true. But would you rather be on trouble for giving meds late or for giving the wrong meds? The nurses who oriented me stressed to me that being a little late is better than a med error because you gave wrong meds. I have worked 45 and. 54 pt med passes as a new grad. You will get faster with each shift. But a med error is a horrible thing.

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Jul 21, 2014

I tell my nurses I don't care hiw fast they are and I stand behind them, but I am not a surveyor. We changed our daily meds so they can be given any time between 6am and 11:59pm.