What are the huge "DO NOT EVER DO" things that new nurses need to know about? calling

[katiebugg]

I am graduating in a few days, and off to be a new registered nurse. I would love to hear from experienced nurses about the "BIG" things that they need to remember or the things they try to avoid. Medication tips, or how to deal with patients...anything would be helpful, and thank you !!

[medsurgrnco, BSN, RN]

If you feel the need to vent, gossip, or complain do it in an enclosed area like the med room or supply room. Managers, docs, patients, and family members sometimes unexpectedly show up and might overhear you if you are not in a private space.

[hidesert]

Yes this is great advice, it happens to everyone. And sometimes after you vent and put it all into perspective, the things that bug us when we are tired or have a really sick pt are just not that important. And there is always more than one side of the story.:typing

[mscsrjhm]

Always in nursing- two heads are better than 1, three heads are better than 2, four heads...

[medsurgrnco, BSN, RN]

Don't ever let other staff see you cry - they will put you down for it. If you are going to lose it and cry, head straight for the bathroom.

[RN28MD]

always wear your gloves you don't want to catch anything. i have seen alot of nurses who don't follow this. is better to be safe then sorry. some older nurses may give you a funny look because you are taking long to give a shot or what ever but always wear gloves!

[hbgwan, LPN, LVN]

this is all invaluable information!!! thanks to all posters! :)

[Morettia2, BSN, RN]

never be afraid to call a RRT if you think there is a problem with your patient..it's your pt. and even if the other nurses on you unit don't believe you call one anyway...I had an entire crew of nurses ignore me when I called one one night, my pt. ended up getting transfered to the CCU b/c he was in respiratory acidosis BIG TIME w/ a low BP I mean low and I work on a Interventional Cardiology floor...don't be afraid to ask for help EVER!!!

[hidesert]

RRT can be your best friends, esp in ICU - :bowingpur

[mamason]

Never administer a drug unless you know how. Ask! If you are afraid to ask, then, look it up! Had student on the floor once who was slamming Lasix like it was going out of style! Not good........

[chrissoo]

For All New Nurses even experience nurses, one very fundamental thing that you must always remember never assume you know everything, even an experience nurse has something new to learn in there practice. If your not sure or have any doubts always ask or clarify your doubts as it is always safer and practical to do something right the first time rather than having regrets doing something wrong which could have been prevented in the first place. Thats why I believe it is better to get a scolding doing something properly rather rectifying the problem later. So in this line of work you need to learn have a thick skin.

[southernbeegirl, BSN, RN]

Don't EVER prime an enema tubing over the heater panel in the wall. trust me on this one...

[firstyearstudent]

Do not ignore fever, SOB, chest pain, anuria, reduced LOC or low bp.