newbie

[flwrgypsy6]

I was wondering if anyone had any advice or pointers for a new nurse. I jumped right in - head first - to critical care. I have worked at my hospital for almost 5 years now. I was an aide on Oncology before/during school. So I am comfortable in a hospital setting. It is just the whole - "knowing what the doc might ask for" (I am not even sure WHO are docs are yet ), that gets me a little uptight. I think my ADHD will come in handy - trying to multi-task, but I am still a little slow. I am also very anal - I have to know WHY I am doing something, I can't just do something because you told me to and you have worked her for decades. (Has happened a few times....)I don't want to make enemies right off the bat, but I also don't want to hurt my patient either because I am not sure of what I am doing. Is this all newbie stuff that everyone goes through and will get better with time? I had great self-confiedence as an aide and the nurses would say I will be a great nurse, but not quite up to that level yet....

[kampswas]

I know how you feel, Some things I use that helps me anticipate questions and flow of the patient is a couple palm programs I use almost everytime I work. One is ICU from pocket medicine called icu management it is pretty outlined to include first things first,diagnostic test, complications, etc also I use katherine white fast facts for critical care. Both are great resources hands on. It takes time and it get's better, be glad your in 5 years, some never make it that far.

[AfloydRN, BSN, RN]

The best advice I can give is to know your patient inside and out. When a Doc asks a question- you will know the answer. If you have time read the H and P- look @ PMH. Know whats going on and why. Always, always know VS before you call a Doc.