New Nurse--Organization Tips?

droz_17 · Nov 12, 2011

Write down everything you do. Times, tasks, etc. Then when you go to chart later you have all your info. Good Luck!

Tankweti · Nov 12, 2011

Re: Lengthy paperwork tasks that require several steps such as admission paperwork. Until you have the routine memorized like it's 2nd nature, write down the steps in a small notebook and keep it in your pocket. This way you won't forget anything when the time comes.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Nov 12, 2011

A new grad will have a difficult time in this area. Will you also be learning/ applying telemetry.. etc?

I was an excellent student and a quick learner. I worry that this may be too much for any newbie. :eek:

dpiana · Nov 12, 2011

You will be assigned to a preceptor. If you have multiple pts...tasks are done in batches.ie.round on everyone, check orders on everyone, prepare & admin meds for everyone. U start with a few pts & once you get more proficent w/ keeping up w/ the workload & handling problems that arise (there will be many from spills, to pt complaints, to equipment breakdowns, to worsening pt conditions, etc) pts will be added to your workload. Mastering troubleshooting problems & knowing who to call for what is your goal over the next 8 mos.

FlyingScot, RN · Nov 12, 2011

Also, having a timed grid with a block for each patient allows you to write down what needs to be done when. This will help you organize your day. Some units even have blank ones pre-printed. This was extremely helpful to me, even as an experienced nurse, when I had complex patients in the PICU.

Daisy_08, BSN, RN · Nov 12, 2011

A new grad will have a difficult time in this area. Will you also be learning/ applying telemetry.. etc?
I was an excellent student and a quick learner. I worry that this may be too much for any newbie.

Sorry you cant be as excellent as Been there, done that but I think you will still survive. Don't let anyone steel you joy!

Any job will be challenging for a new grad. You will have orientation, if after that you think you might kill someone ask for a few more days. If after the orientation you think there is no way you will ever get a break, then your right on track. It will take time but eventually it will all fall into place for you.

Congrats on the new job!

Good luck!

beckster_01, BSN, RN · Nov 13, 2011

I started on a Cardiac step-down unit, and I think it is the best place to start as far as experience goes. My patients are higher acuity than most med-surg patients. They are fresh post-op, or they spent one night in the ICU first. Yet you still get 4-5 on the day shift, or 5-6 on nights. Needless to say, time management is key

Always think patient safety first...if your meds are going to be a little late because you needed to spend extra time with a patient you are worried about, so be it! Learning strips isn't that difficult, and never be afraid to ask if you aren't sure about a rhythm. I've had 3-4 nurses debating on a strip interpretation when I thought I was stupid for not knowing what it was. If you are really that concerned, get a 12-lead. I was convinced that a patient was in a complete heart block once, I mean it REALLY looked like it. Grabbed an EKG and it was sinus rhythm...

Honestly the best advice I can give you is to work as a team! Our unit does a retreat every year, this year we did a whole day of "team building exercises." Of course it sounds dumb but it was actually really interesting. The guy who led it commented that we were a really unique group. When we were first presented with a problem everyone tried to solve it independently, and it took us a little while to figure out that we HAD to depend on each other to solve it. It taught us that although our job is relatively autonomous, when we are presented with a problem we have no choice but to work together, or it is the patient that will suffer. Good luck! I may pretend to hate my job sometimes, but it really is pretty awesome :)

Cuddleswithpuddles · Nov 13, 2011

My personal method is to use a grid with 0800, 0900, 1000 etc. etc. and write down scheduled things like vital signs, blood sugar checks, medications etc. on the appropriate block of time. I write down intakes and outputs, unusual findings etc. on the blocks as well. This helps me organize my tasks and see trends that occur over the shift. I made up a grid on my computer and printed several out.

A method of recording assessments I like is to print out a silhouette of a man or woman and mark down findings as you see them on the body. Instead of a jumble of notes and inexact descriptions, you can just draw or write on the body.

Cuddleswithpuddles · Nov 13, 2011

Re: Lengthy paperwork tasks that require several steps such as admission paperwork. Until you have the routine memorized like it's 2nd nature, write down the steps in a small notebook and keep it in your pocket. This way you won't forget anything when the time comes.

Yes X 1000.

I found this necessary when I did my preceptorship in a CCU. It was so hard to keep track of what was supposed to be done q15m, q30m, q1h etc. etc. In my attempt to cover everything, I actually assessed and recorded information waaaaaaaaaay more often than I should have, wasted valuable time and missed out on documenting things I really should have. :uhoh3:

azMissK · Nov 14, 2011

My personal method is to use a grid with 0800, 0900, 1000 etc. etc. and write down scheduled things like vital signs, blood sugar checks, medications etc. on the appropriate block of time. I write down intakes and outputs, unusual findings etc. on the blocks as well. This helps me organize my tasks and see trends that occur over the shift. I made up a grid on my computer and printed several out.
A method of recording assessments I like is to print out a silhouette of a man or woman and mark down findings as you see them on the body. Instead of a jumble of notes and inexact descriptions, you can just draw or write on the body.

I am also a new grad and love the idea of your grid. I was about to start trying to make my own but figured I could ask - any way you could upload a copy of your grid, at least so I know how the basic and I could use it as a model to make my own. Would really appreciate it !! I think its a great idea!

Cuddleswithpuddles · Nov 14, 2011

Hi azMissK,

I don't have a file of it anymore. I just photocopy if need be. All I did was make a table on a word processor. Two patients to each sheet so 2 columns with 12 rows for the hours. I've seen nurses do it on the floor do it by hand too.