New Grad RN - Needing tips on how to be a better RN!

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hi everyone!

I just graduated and passed the NCLEX, and so I am now officially an RN! :) I am extremely excited to be part of a great and respectable profession! However, I am also really nervous and anxious about starting out as a brand new nurse. I am in the process of looking for work so I'm not exactly sure in what setting I'll be starting off (hopefully in a hospital), but it got me thinking again about what it'll be like to start working. I really want to be as prepared as I can be before I start, and most definitely when I'm out on the floor. I just want to be the best RN that I can be and to never stop growing :)

What tips/suggestions/words of wisdom/resources/etc. do you have for this brand new RN? Anything will help! Thanks in advance!!

Specializes in Dialysis.

Listen and ask solid questions. Research, don't ask others to do legwork for you! Congrats on the beginning of your journey. Good luck!

Thank you! :)

Specializes in Family Medicine, Tele/Cardiac, Camp.

Always be open, respectful, and humble to everyone you meet. Recognize your strengths, but also acknowledge and know your limitations. Believing that you are better than someone can be a huge professional and personal barrier. You can learn something from everyone - whether it's a patient, nurse, doctor, etc. Be careful not to miss these opportunities. Lessons can be found in incredible and unexpected places. And you will find connections you've never seen before and see things that make you humbled to be human and so grateful for what you have. Those are some of my very favorite parts of nursing. Best of luck to you. You're off to a great start so far and I'm sure you'll do well. :up:

Thank you for your words of wisdom :) I have actually heard one of my professors say the same exact thing about being able to learn from everyone and to respect every member of the health care team, no matter their position. I will definitely keep your advice in mind!

Be non-judgemental, look for somebody who would be a good mentor after your get oriented by a preceptor, show interest while you are in orientation, be on time to get report and organized..

Thank you!! ^.^

Check out Caroline Porter Thomas' youtube channel EmpoweRN. She's got lots of good advice :) And a book if you're interested.

Specializes in Emergency Medicine.

I precept a lot of new grads, and also a mentor at my organization for new grads. One of the first pieces of advice I give them (as well as what others have stated) just because you've done a certain skill or task in the clinicals/school (even numerous times), it doesn't make you an expert. Always listen because you may learn something about something you thought you already knew.

Remember your a new grad and your still learning...alternatively we as nurses are always learning :)

Congrats!

I precept a lot of new grads, and also a mentor at my organization for new grads. One of the first pieces of advice I give them (as well as what others have stated) just because you've done a certain skill or task in the clinicals/school (even numerous times), it doesn't make you an expert. Always listen because you may learn something about something you thought you already knew.

Remember your a new grad and your still learning...alternatively we as nurses are always learning :)

Congrats!

So true. If we're not continuously learning we're not paying attention.

- Help your CNA/Techs and they will help you

- Never be fearful of asking questions if you don't know the answer.

- Always do your own assessment, don't rely on the report you were given .

- Don't go to work expecting to make friends. There is ALWAYS one nasty nurse who is so miserable with her own life she/he will try to make you miserable. Keep you personal life separate, show up do you job well, and leave.

- Time management is key!

- Get comfortable shoes and wear compression stockings.

Specializes in Emergency Medicine.

apayne8508, makes a very good point, you can learn a lot from your fellow staffers, CNA/Techs, the ones i work with our amazing. I used to be one also :)

+ Add a Comment