New Graduate Advice

[DU15]

Hello!

I recently graduated from nursing school in June and will begin orientation on a medical/telemetry/step-down floor on Monday. I am very excited but also very nervous!

It has been two months since I graduated, so I feel like I need to review some things before I start working. Is there anything in particular that some of you might recommend? I want to do everything that I can to avoid being a burden to the nurse/nurses who will be precept me.

Other than to not act like a "know-it-all", which is not my personality, are there any other suggestions for me on how to be a good orientee? I know the transition won't be as smooth as I wish it could be, but I want to do everything I can to make sure it's not painful for everyone involved. I really want to be successful.

Any advice would be very much appreciated. Thank you!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

When working with your preceptor, ensure that you get at least weekly written feedback (we have weekly evaluation forms to be filled out) if not daily (definitely get daily verbal feedback), set yourself goals for each day/week, communicate with your preceptor and unit educator, and be honest with both yourself and those in charge of your orientation- if you don't ask for help, they may not realize that you need it.

Instead of asking how to do something, try to find the policy/procedure first, and then ask to walk through the procedure with your preceptor first before entering the patient's room. Don't be afraid to ask questions, but try to find the answers yourself first. It's practice for when you need to find the answer to a question asked of you.

Become familiar with where to find your various resources: equipment, downtime charting resources if you are using an EMR, policies and procedures, etc.

[nightowl246]

Always follow hospital policy/protocol even if your preceptors don't! There were times when my preceptor "break rules" like not gowning up or pulling more than 2 patients meds at a time, not labeling, not charting on certain things, etc. I know they're seasoned and all but I try not to follow their habits. Remember...it's your license!