new grad preparing for first job

joanna73, BSN, RN · Mar 12, 2011

Be humble and don't be afraid to ask questions and ask for help when you need it.

Treat your senior nurses and coworkers with respect.

When you are doing something, ask yourself...what is the rationale for this? Does this make sense?

Think ABC's and nursing process always.

Know the procedure for calling a code and fire. Every agency is slightly different.

When you need to prioritize pt care, think...sickest/ most unstable first.

if you need to call the doctor...have the vital signs and background details prepared first.

Advocate advocate for your pts and self...but be diplomatic.

Be open and eager to learning.

Once you have worked for a while, try to plan your day in advance. Use "free" time wisely. Inevitably, someone is going to get sick or need care, so don't wait to do orders, etc, because you think there's time.

Try to gather the supplies you need before going to the room to save trips. If I know I have a dressing, I go to the room quickly to see what I need to get before I need to actually go there.

Carry alcohol pads tape gauze scissors in your scrub pockets.

I'm sure there are more. That's what I can think of off the top. GL :) I am also a recent grad, working on my own a few months.

CanadianGirl79 · Mar 12, 2011

I am not an RN, but a new grad RPN, so in the same boat: I just started my first job, and am making sure to ask lots of questions, and take notes of the important stuff.

Good luck! :)

Fiona59 · Mar 12, 2011

To the new grad RNs, don't assume that the experienced LPNs, porters, NAs, and all the other support workers can't teach you anything.

lesliel · Mar 13, 2011

Be humble and don't be afraid to ask questions and ask for help when you need it.
Treat your senior nurses and coworkers with respect.
When you are doing something, ask yourself...what is the rationale for this? Does this make sense?
Think ABC's and nursing process always.
Know the procedure for calling a code and fire. Every agency is slightly different.
When you need to prioritize pt care, think...sickest/ most unstable first.
if you need to call the doctor...have the vital signs and background details prepared first.
Advocate advocate for your pts and self...but be diplomatic.
Be open and eager to learning.
Once you have worked for a while, try to plan your day in advance. Use "free" time wisely. Inevitably, someone is going to get sick or need care, so don't wait to do orders, etc, because you think there's time.
Try to gather the supplies you need before going to the room to save trips. If I know I have a dressing, I go to the room quickly to see what I need to get before I need to actually go there.
Carry alcohol pads tape gauze scissors in your scrub pockets.
I'm sure there are more. That's what I can think of off the top. GL :) I am also a recent grad, working on my own a few months.

WOW, this is great!! Thanks so much for all the advice! I'll definitely make sure to take all of these into consideration. Being able to "prioritize care" as you mentioned, is what I'm most nervous about. There have been moments in my consolidation and clinical rotations where I felt every patient I had should be top priority. Again, thank you kindly for your input!! :yeah: