need tips for success

[NamasteNurse, BSN, RN]

I just started agency nursing and am finding it difficult to get organized. Walking into a new situation and being expected to pick it up and run is hard! SO, to all of you agency veterans, what can you offer as tips, ideas, anything to help me get my feet on the road and running! I want to be successful, but feel like I'm stumbling along here. Thanks in advance,

namaste

[SuzieVN]

Used to be that agency nurses has to go to orientation sessions at everyplace they were scheduled to work. That stopped when they realized they had to pay those nurses to attend orientation.

-Insist on an up to date census sheet to get report, etc.

-Be sure to get a phone list for management, doctors, etc.

-Get a clear understanding of all the staff on your floor, titles, etc.

-Insist on walking rounds, every patient- you don't want stuck with plugged tubes, people on the floor bleeding, people that may be dead, etc. Check O2 and other supplies, don't let yourself be dumped on.

-Count narcs, really good...no easier way to divert than blame 'the agency nurse'. Then, check the other carts (tx., etc) to notice if they appear stocked. If not, tell the nurse to take care of it- it'll be a nightmare for you to find that stuff otherwise.

-Don't leave a single med or treatment unsigned for, or forget to chart anything...else you'll be going back on your OWN dime.

[NamasteNurse, BSN, RN]

great advice! I have so far been pretty lucky, but walking rounds would be a huge help! It IS hard to find things when you can't even open all of the coded doors! Thanks again..