New grad RN job!

[bodz01]

okay, so basically i have the same story as the others. unemployed, struggling to get a job. but i have this feeling that i'm about to land one. so for the new grads out there fresh on the floor, or even experienced nurses who can remember what it's like being a newbie, can YOU help by telling us what are the responsibilities that we, as new grads, are expected to do??

such as medications, admitting, discharge, EKG. whatever. any procedure that you all can think of. i'm just afraid that i'll mess up something i'm asked to do that i'm unaware of. i won't take the risk, and i would ask before i do anything. but i just want to know what are the things that new nurses are expected to know/do.

catheter.. CPT? .. blood samples, IV?

i'm an international nurse and i have never seen nurses here work =[ .. i know the procedures aren't very different but i still want to know what to expect.

hoping for anyone's advice. please HELP.

thanks in advance!

[NurseThis21, BSN, RN]

Hi there!

Honestly, I think new nurses are only expected to know how to breathe in and out the proper way. Once we get through school and NCLEX, it seems as though we've only retained bits and pieces of things we should know. However, your employer is highly aware of the shortcomings of a new nurse. Of course, you should know how to take vitals, give different routes of medication, assessments, pt education, the basics. But don't go into a new job thinking you have to know their procedures from top to bottom! Every hospital and facility has their own way of doing discharges, documentation, etc. So, as long as you're patient with yourself and knowing your limitations then I think you'll be set to let your fellow nurses guide you towards success!

Also, I'm pretty sure that during your orientation, they will familiarize you with how to do various procedures such as catheters, wound care, IV's or whatever it is that your unit specializes in. They won't ket you go flying in blindly ... at least I hope not!!!

Good Luck to you and I hope your new job is exciting and rewarding!!!

NurseThis21, BSN, RN

UIC Alumna

Psychiatric Registered Nurse

[bodz01]

thank you so much for taking the time to respond!!! =]

[NC Girl BSN]

I was a new grad Feb 2009. I am now a Staff nurse according to my hospital after 3 months of orientation. My boss told me as a new grad, the only thing that she wan't me to do after orientation is to ask question when I did not know something. Also I should be able to read a MD order and carry them out. All the critical thinking will come with time.