Helpful hints and tips for working Med surg

Organization and flexibility - Keep an idea of who needs what and when, but remember that things happen and your best plan will be changed.

Chart as you go and develop a "brain" report sheet that works for you. I had an area for meds, assesments, txs and to do's that I kept in my pocket. Double check everything.

6 patients can be quite a handful, but I find is usually managed well with a good bit of organization. Try to make each trip to the patient's room as productive as possible. Before you enter, try to think about each thing the patient may need, and have your supplies ready so you don't have to make numerous trips back and forth. It seems like most new nurse waste most of their time running b/w the room and the supply closet!

Charting is a must, but sometimes you just can't find time. Keep a notepad to jot down notes to remind yourself what to chart, as sometimes it may be the end of a 12 hour shift before you can sit to write it in the note. After 12 hours, you will likely forget that early in the day the patient was wheezing in AM assessment.

I also started a year or so ago keeping a list of patients in my pocket with what time their meds are scheduled, so that I don't constently have to recheck the MAR to see which patients have meds due. A quick look will let me know. That's a small time saver, but pennies add to dollars.

Understand that the real world is not textbook. Example, our patient med schedule usually includes patients with 1200 and 1400 meds, and often patients with both. Our facility allowed meds to be given and hour before or after the scheduled time. I learned early on that the patient would suffer no ill-fate if I was just too busy, and both meds were given at 1300. (yes, I try to give the meds "right", but sometimes it just isn't possible). So, you have to be flexible basically.

Best advice though, honestly, is to understand there is no shame in asking for help. Sometimes, even the best nurses get behind and need a hand. Help others when you are not busy, and they will usually return the favor.