New Grad Starting Job on June 15th NEED TIPS

Nurses New Nurse

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Hi I am a new graduate RN who is extremely nervous about starting my first job on the Medical-surgical/ telemetry overflow floor!! It has been 6 months since I graduated and I want to feel somewhat prepared. I was wondering if there were any books that anyone could recommend that I carry on the floor with me. Any that have come in especially handy for you?? Any tips from your guys new grad nurse experiences will help too. I realize that it will be tough, and I am a little scared but also extremely excited. Anything will help!! Thanks so much!!

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Congrats on getting a job!! :) How long will your orientation be?

One book I've heard recommended is "Prioritization, Delegation, and Assignment: Practice Exercises for Medical-Surgical Nursing," by Linda LaCharity. It's not a "carry on the floor" book, but maybe something you could look through before you start.

Good luck!! :)

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My orientation is only 8 weeks and pretty intense I have heard. I am definitely up for the challenge, just a little nervous! :uhoh3: Thanks for the book idea, i'll have to check it out!

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Specializes in ICU.
One book I've heard recommended is "Prioritization, Delegation, and Assignment: Practice Exercises for Medical-Surgical Nursing," by Linda LaCharity. It's not a "carry on the floor" book, but maybe something you could look through before you start.

As an aside, Dr. LaCharity was the director of my accelerated BSN program at the University of Cincinnati, and the instructor for my last classroom course in that program. A wonderful lady - very down to earth, and she really knows her stuff & has high expectations for her students.

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Specializes in Psych, LTC, Acute Care.

Congratulations on your new job! I am also a new RN grad doing orientation. I just finished up my third week of orientation on the floor. I have 5 more weeks. Just be open minded a be a sponge because there is alot of information to soak in. I write down alot of things that I am confused about and try to go over it with my preceptor at some point in the day. I also have really prefected my assessment skills. On the first day I wrote out the daily shift assessment and have memorized it. The more you practice, the better you will become.

The paperwork is doing me in. There is so much to remember and I am slowly graspin it. The admissions are time consuming also. Everyone on my unit is nice and supportive. They all reassure me that its gonna take some time for me to soak it all in. Don't expect to remember everything. Sometimes it takes 1,2,or even third times to get it. Practice is the key and one day it will finally come together. At least that is what I am hoping.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, LTC, Rehab.

Congrats on the job! I took my drug book with me and left it in the med room for easy access. Most units have their own but mine was more recent. Another book that helps me is "Your 1st Year as a Nurse" by Donna Wilk Cardillo RN. It's not a carry-on-the-floor book but it really helps me keep things in perspective.

As for advice, don't be too hard on yourself. Rome wasn't built in a day. You're not expected to know everything. I have to take that advice myself sometimes.

I have one more week of a 12 week orientation and I still have to stop and figure out what to do next. But it has gotten easier and I didn't think it would.

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Specializes in ICU.

I recommend not reading anything related to nursing. You will not have a huge chunk of time off again for another 30 years or so. Better enjoy it while it lasts! :)

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Specializes in Oncology.

I am in the same predicament as you! Let me know if anything does help. I feel just as nervous as it's been 6 months since I've been in school too.

Good luck!

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I'm a new grad and I will start orientation to the hospital on the 1ST of June. I will be orienting for 10 weeks with preceptor on med surg floor. The probation period is 90 days. I'm very scared and excited at the same time. I hope I will make it. I love being a nurse.

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Yo will do great!! Since you are on a med/tele floor I would recommend getting a book about cardiac rhythms. If you are able to identify the biggies you will be ahead of the game. if you learn your heart blocks then you deserve a gold star:yeah:Make sure you take time to relax as hard as that sounds since you probably wont have a chance for a while..maybe a quick trip somewhere nice.

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Specializes in acute rehab, med surg, LTC, peds, home c.

I would suggest leaving a current med surg text book to use as a reference book in your locker or break room. Sometimes procedures or dx come up and you have forgotten what they were all about. Not that you cant ask for help, but at least you will have an inkling about what it is before you do.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Psych.

During my first year, I carried either 'RN Notes' or 'Med-Surg Notes' pocket guide with me. I also have a Palm Pilot with Davis Drug guide on it. I love it because I have everything I need with me at all times (including a calculator).

Good luck!

:yeah:

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