Harsh Reality

It can be tough. That's probably why they talk so much about "nursing judgment" in school. If I had a penny for every time I heard that phrase then I'd be rich. So many situations don't have one right answer. That's something I quickly found out when I took my first nursing exam. You've probably figured out by now who gives the best advice and who gives "wrong" information, but in the end, you have to use your own judgment and confidence will only come with time.

Make sure you know where you can look to find the answers to your own questions. That way, you know they are correct. Usually, there's a policy and procedures guide. And reference material, clinical skills material, that type of thing. You could also do your own research on particular subjects when you get home, using your nursing textbooks. If you are unsure on a procedure, look it up, go to supervisor and say--this is how I was taught to do this, and I looked it up to be sure. Is this appropriate? That way, you are not looking to others for answers, just confirming the information you got is accurate for your unit. Once you know how to do something, keep it in the back of your mind, as you shouldn't have to ask again.

You will have to take matters into your own hands. Find out where your nursing policy manual is. Mine is on the computer and can be accessed at home. When I was unsure how to measure bladder pressures, I logged onto my policy manual, quickly read through the steps and performed my set up and measurement. Rather than have the charge nurse explain the policy and set up, I have everything ready, then I call the charge nurse for her opinion. Am I doing this correctly?

The vast majority of new grads lack confidence in their abilities, earning that confidence takes time.

Speaking of time, giving reassurance and information to new nurses takes time, and sometimes nurses on a busy unit don't always have as much time as they would like to help you as much as you would like to be helped.