I was thinking that since it's that time of year, and as a testemony to the fact that we want new nurses to succeed, perhaps we "older" (ha, look at my 4 years) nurses could offer some unsolicited pearls of wisdom to the nubbies. Here goes:
1. Don't fart at the nurses station. If it has to be done, and you can't make it to the restroom, at least go into a confused and/or obtunded patients room.
2. Do not take every critique personally. We want you to get better, and want you to succeed. And yes, some people are just mean. Either way, listen to what we're telling you.
3. If you ask someone a question and aren't sure or don't like their answer, don't go around asking everyone else. Discretly ask someone, or look it up. Don't be blunt about disagreeing with their answer- it makes you look like a know-it-all, and them wonder why you even asked to begin with. Then they won't answer any of your questions.
4. Some of your patients will die. It will really suck. Take heart that part of taking care of people is giving them a dignified death, and if you can't save their life, then this is a good runner-up gift to give them.
5. Pee before you leave the house. You may not have the opportunity until you get back there.
Hope this helps. Welcome to nursing, glad to have you here.:welcome:
