New nurse, 1st job, how to learn everything?!

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Hi my fellow nurses,

I just started a new job, I'll be on the floor for the first time very soon. I was given a HUGE binder and several more power points to go with it from the classes I've had. How do I tackle all of this information and learn it all??! PICC lines, mid lines, CVC, blood specimen collection, TPN, etc, etc.

Thanks in advance!

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Is this a Residency program or an actual RN job? Did they have an orientation? How long? How is their training for the New employees? Each facility has their own standard of practice and protocols on top of the Evidence based practice and the things we learn from the Nursing school.

I have noticed one thing: We all struggle on the 1st 6-12 months. After that...a lot have said, we will be surprised how life gets better everyday.

CONGRATULATIONS on your new job!

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Hi PhatRN,

Thanks for your reply. It's not a residency, it's an orientation for 4 weeks, I'll be with a preceptor and then on my own.

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Specializes in Travel, Home Health, Med-Surg.

First, Congratulations!!

How will you learn everything? One day at a time!

But i should also say that things are constantly changing so you will never learn everything. That being said, use the next 4 weeks to learn everything you can from your preceptor. Ask questions, ask what are the most important things i need to know about whatever you are learning, CVL's etc. Always ask before you do anything that you do not know, use your resources (pharmacist, preceptor, charge etc).

Dont worry, this can be overwhelming at times but you will learn over time and it will all come together.

Good luck!!

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29 minutes ago, gumbi_12 said:

Hi PhatRN,

Thanks for your reply. It's not a residency, it's an orientation for 4 weeks, I'll be with a preceptor and then on my own.

You are very Welcome! Cool.. 4 weeks is short but it is still good because you know you have someone to ask. Some facilities will just give you 4 days and that's it.You are still blessed!

I agree with Daisy, learn things everyday and one at a time. We will never learn everything. The best thing you can do is to develop strong relationship with your mentors and other health care workers. You will learn from everyone. From patients, CNA's to MD's etc.

ASK questions and take down NOTES, learn the best practices from every person you encounter and DOUBLE or TRIPLE CHECK the MAR and the TAR always. NEVER hesitate to ASK questions. There's no RIGHT or WRONG question(s), or DUMB question(s) as long as you learn.

When you get home, review what you learned or watch a video or read something about it. Be hungry to learn everyday even just for 1 thing.

CONGRATS!!!!

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