New Grad about to Start!

I like to make "report" sheets that I can write the other nurses' reports down on, because in the beginning there were things that I forgot. This ensures that I cover all bases. I also like to carry a little notebook in my pocket at all times. Don't get impatient with yourself if you can't immediately memorize all things, like needle bore sizes/color, tubing for blood hanging vs PCA, etc. This'll all come naturally to you after repeating the process over & over again. Me and many other nurses on the unit had a pretty rough start. Please allow yourself at least 6 months to make a big improvement in prioritizing and speed. I have an app in my phone that gives lab values, and another app that is like a drug dictionary... although I don't use the lab values one very often. What worked for me was making a schedule out before the shift, which becomes kinda standard. For ex: get to work 15 minutes early to print out & review patient sheets... clock in & get report from 6:45-7:15... 7:15-8:00 take vitals & do full assessments... 8:00-8:20 pull meds & document... 8:20-9:20 pass meds... 9:20-10 finish documenting. I try to document everything by 10 & usually it works out. I'm really excited for you!

From past interviews, the managers usually say relax since you have to mentally prepare you for your New Grad orientation. The orientation will teach you what you need to know. Good luck :)

I agree with ToastedPeanut, particularly about a little notebook. I found it helpful to jot down information in my notebook then I transferred it to a word document every 1-2 weeks. The word document was organized alphabetically by keyword so that I could quickly find a particular piece of information rather than leafing through 20-30 pages of notes. For easy reference, I kept the 1-2 page word document at the back of my clipboard or folded in my pocket with my notebook.

For report sheets, about 50% of my colleagues use a formal / pre-printed report sheet and about 50% just fold a piece of paper into fourths and put a patient sticker on each quadrant and just take notes in the appropriate quadrant. Of those who use a pre-printed report sheet, probably three-quarters of them use a sheet that they got from the unit educator or from the orientation preceptor. If you don't already have a pre-printed report sheet, don't let it stress you out.

I had a 4-month gap in experience. My last preceptorship clinical day was in early August and I wasn't employed until early December. I didn't do any review (other a little NCLEX prep) and it was fine. For skills you are uncertain of, ask your preceptor to see one (even if you did it a while ago in school; take notes if needed) and then do one (with him/her nearby to assist/coach as necessary). Ideally, the second time (s)he observes, not much will need to be said and you'll be confident to do that skill without anyone around the next time.

Thank you all so much!

I'm really lucky that, when I precepted, I watched how the RN I was with set up her worksheets (we're given a printed packet when we come on that has all the essential info) and I found a system that worked for me in terms of where to put labs, vitals, report, reminders etc. And since I've been there, I'm pretty familiar with the computer/documentation system. So I'm definitely glad about both those things, and hopefully it will help free up my mind/time to focus on other things!

I think it's the "being able to put the pieces together and see the big picture" stuff that I worry about haha... but I know that comes with time...! And also the pieces that I couldn't do as a student... putting in orders, working with the providers etc. (Also? taping report. I HATE IT, IT'S SO AWKWARD!!! haha ).

THANK YOU for all the thoughts/feedback so far!!