New grad, need tips..

Ask a lot of questions... ask a lot of "why" questions. For example, you may have an order to insert a Foley catheter but you need to know why you're inserting it. That will help develop your critical thinking. And write everything down. Some preceptors don't like to repeat themselves. 

MJJFan1 said:

Ask a lot of questions... ask a lot of "why" questions. For example, you may have an order to insert a Foley catheter but you need to know why you're inserting it. That will help develop your critical thinking. And write everything down. Some preceptors don't like to repeat themselves. 

Thank you! 

Julia Liou said:

Starting a new grad RN position can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially with the prospect of a 12-week mentorship program in a nursing resource team. Given your background in palliative and rehab units, transitioning to a medicine and surgery floor might indeed present a steep learning curve. However, you can ease into this new role by focusing on organization, time management, and effective communication. Stay organized by keeping track of tasks, patient information, and schedules either through a planner or digital tools. Ask your buddy nurses if they have any good cheat sheets that use on the floor that you can use.

Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance to manage your time effectively, and don't hesitate to reach out for help or clarification when needed. It's essential to be proactive, ask questions, seek feedback, and take care of yourself both mentally and physically during this transition.

Additionally, don't be afraid to admit when you don't know something, it's better to ask questions versus make a mistake and compromise the safety of your patient. Also avoid overcommitting yourself to prevent burnout, I know the OT sounds worth it, but make sure you are physically and mentally able to do the extra work. You don't want to overdue it in your first year!  You got this!

Thank you for your tips. May I know how your experience was in a medicine/surgical unit if you worked in those unit? I'll definitely be asking questions and all that.

Julia Liou said:

I specialized immediately after graduation, so my direct experience in med-surg is limited to my time in nursing school. Based on insights from my nursing friends who have worked in med-surg, it's crucial to feel comfortable asking many questions, especially during your mentorship period. This is your opportunity to get support from an experienced nurse. 

It would also be beneficial to connect with the educators to obtain a list of common diagnoses on the units. You can create a spreadsheet detailing common medications, the frequency of vital sign monitoring, and necessary lab work based on those diagnoses. Keep a small notepad in your scrub pocket to jot down any valuable information you receive from the nurses around you.

I also recommend that new grads reach out to educators for general policies commonly applied on the units you will be floating to. I received this information before starting on the floor during my new grad placement, and it greatly alleviated my anxiety.

You should receive a list of skills and competencies to meet during your orientation. Make sure to inform your preceptor and other nurses about these skills so that when the opportunity arises, they can alert you, allowing you to practice. Best of luck!

Thanks! I just finished my 5 week medicine rotation. It was brutal. I don't think it is for me. I am mentally drained and defeated.