New nurse ?'s

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Specializes in gi.

Hi all! I will be a new nurse in May this year and am eager to get out on the floor and prove myself as a worthy addition to the unit. What are some pointers you can give me to do this? I am not lazy, I will not rely on others to complete my work. I will be eager to help others out anytime and anywhere needed. I believe in earning my keep, proving myself, and being a safe nurse!

Thanks in advance for your input!

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Best thing I can suggest is be teachable, ask questions, and thank your nursing assistants frequently. Good luck!

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Specializes in gi.

THANK YOU AMY! I will do that! They are worth their weight in gold!!

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Wow your positive attitude and enthusiasm is excellent and will serve you well!

I would suggest arriving a bit early each day so you can compose and prepare yourself for your shift, take every opportunity to practice your skills (such as IVs, foleys, wound vacs), consider carrying around a little pocket guide such as "Tarascon Pocket Pharmacopoeia" so you can look up each med you are unsure of, help your CNA whenever you can.

Also, I would suggest writing things down throughout the shift rather than thinking you'll remember it when it's time to chart! It's so easy to forget how many cc's of urine you dumped or what the BP was before you gave a med, or what time you reassessed pain after you gave a prn med.

Like the above post noted- always ask questions along the way! Congratulations on your upcoming graduation and I wish you the best of luck wherever you plan on working! :)

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Specializes in Cardiac, Home Health, Primary Care.

Search this site for brain sheets. Go ahead and try one for clinicals maybe to see which one you like best. They are a great way to keep organized.

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Carry these items with you to save yourself a few steps: scissors, tape, alcohol preps, I also agree with having your own paper brain to note things and to keep you focused. Try to chart as you go along, don't save it all for the end of your shift. Always ask questions, and seek out a resource person, references on the unit such as the nursing policy and procedure book. Congrats on entering the ever dynamic field of nursing!!!

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Specializes in gi.

Thank you Stripes! Great advice, appreciated very much!!

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Specializes in gi.

Thank you anh06005, I've been lokking for a good brain sheet, none seem to fit me well. I go look!

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Specializes in gi.

Thank you firsinfamily! Great advice, i agree I could never remember everything to cahrt later. Ugh what a mess that would be!

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Specializes in Hospice.

My advice is to always take the opportunity to watch something new. The best advice I ever received was...."If you think something is wrong or not just right, don't ignore it." You don't have to know what is wrong, just knowing something isn't right is half the battle.

You will make a mistake, we all have, a good nurse will learn from it. Good luck to you in your journey to becoming a great nurse.

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