New Grad - Forgotten Material

[rchembunny]

So, I graduated in December 2009 and have not had a nursing job until this February 2010. I feel like I've forgotten so much!! I really want to be the best nurse I can be and I feel a bit overwhelmed. Is anyone else in the same situation and/or have any suggestions on how to relearn everything quickly? Does it all just come back?

Thanks in advance!!!

[solneeshka, BSN, RN]

You'll find there are some things you remember and some things you forget. Plan on spending some time after you get home from your shifts studying and looking up things you wish you had known for the patients you just had. That's a great way to solidify what you learned in school. Also, if you have a list of some of the most common diagnoses you are likely to encounter on your floor, you can come up with a cheat sheet for them and have some thoughts ready to go for what you want to do with those patients. I think you will find that the necessities of the shift drive your care. Don't worry about it, you'll have a preceptor and you'll do great!

[rchembunny]

Thank you for your suggestions and encouragement!!