Help! New Nurse

traumalover, RN · Mar 13, 2011

As a new grad, you need to learn many skills. You shouldn't worrying about being competitive. Learn from experienced nurses. Ask questions. Read up on things you don't know. Never do something without knowing why. Watch procedures. If you simply focus on being the best nurse you can be for your patients rather than the best nurse compared to everyone else you will be the best nurse. Nursing, especially where I work, is a team effort. Somedays you get the really sick septic shock pt on CRRT, and have schloads of fun, and sometimes you get the detoxing alcoholic in 4 points and spend the night giving Haldol and Ativan and being verbally (and sometimes physically) abused. That's nursing. Take care of both those patients like you would your family and you'll be all right.

leslie :-D · Mar 13, 2011

Can anyone give me an idea of what is the best way to stand out as a new grad in a competitive working environment?

be a team player.

don't take professional criticism personally...be receptive to learning...always.

stay the heck away from the drama and gossip.

respect yourself, and don't be anybody's doormat.

IF the workplace is negative and hostile, remain in your plastic bubble and be the epitome of class and grace.

always be fully prepared when consulting w/doc....have all pertinent data ready and available.

do NOT give unfamiliar meds, if/when being pressured to do so. take the time to look it up.

if you make a mistake, own it. it's the only way we'll learn.

and, probably the most important advice....learn to say "bite me" with a smile.

those words will serve you well, when all the above has failed.

much luck to you!!

leslie

colleennurse, ASN, RN · Mar 14, 2011

dont be afraid to ask questions, no matter how dumb you may think it is.

Try to help the techs (or other nurses) out when you can, dont just give them orders to do things

I second the above to stay out of the drama.

Good luck!