Preparing new grads

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Apr 18, 2006

It's an everyday thing and not a specific scenario, but I'd say time management is a critical skill that's really difficult in the beginning. Learning how to do 10 things at once with constant distractions and interruptions, without forgetting anything. The best way I've found to deal with it is to make a schedule and write EVERYTHING (labs, meds due) on it, but I really underestimated how difficult it would be to fit everything into a 12 hr shift.

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Apr 18, 2006

I agree with the above. I would emphasis to your grads to respect the seasoned nurses and to expect the same in return.

I would advise them to stand up for themselves from day one. Starting out being intimidated by docs or allowing them and/or Admin to treat you badly can set the tone for a nurse's career.

dorimar, BSN, RN · Apr 18, 2006

Take a look at the "near miss" thread above. It is Sooo what they have to look forward to. Sorry, don't mean to sound so pesimistic, but it sickens me what we have to deal with (and I just found out UPS drivers make the same wage as us, plus better benefits with PENSION).

minnib · Apr 18, 2006

Take a look at the "near miss" thread above. It is Sooo what they have to look forward to. Sorry, don't mean to sound so pesimistic, but it sickens me what we have to deal with (and I just found out UPS drivers make the same wage as us, plus better benefits with PENSION).

That is so true! An old classmate of mine, her husband, made about 800-1G a week with great benefits and pension. She use to tell me most of their(the UPS drivers) routes were so nice and easy and they had little stress!( I think parking the truck and traffic, driving in general...biggest stressers!) hmmmm..

twinmommy+2, ADN, BSN, MSN · Apr 18, 2006

I'm a new nurse and just finished my first month. It seems like alot of new nurses doubt their abilities the first months on the job. I would say to them to be prepared for the feeling of not being good enough and to be prepared for them to doubt themselves so when they encounter it they can pick themselves back up and get through it.

newnurse51 · Apr 18, 2006

Re: Preparing new grads

It's an everyday thing and not a specific scenario, but I'd say time management is a critical skill that's really difficult in the beginning. Learning how to do 10 things at once with constant distractions and interruptions, without forgetting anything.

This is right on the money. I had the hardest time with this one - the interruptions were driving me crazy. There is never enough time to do everything you want. I made up my own worksheet where I could list protocals and labs, which patients got their meds at different times and anything else I could think of to help me get through the shift. To top it off I would usually remember something I forgot to do right before I drifted off to sleep at night. We had a standing joke, if the patient was still alive and and had received all of their meds by the end of their shift we were doing something right. Everything else was just icing on the cake.

Jolie, BSN · Apr 18, 2006

All new grads need the basics such as gaining clinical experience, time management skills, prioritization, organization. I think that is universally understood among the new grads themselves and the staff who hire and orient them.

I would suggest focusing on other significant issues that affect most, if not all new grads such as: Working off shifts. Learning how and when to implement the chain of command to address unsatisfactory conditions such as poor patient care and inadequate staffing. Understanding the roles of other healthcare professionals such as PT, OT, Social Worker, etc. Professional issues such as license renewal, CEUs, Liability Insurance, mandatory reporting of child/elder abuse, impaired nurses, etc.

Most students are soooo focused on getting thru school that they don't give much thought to the non-clinical aspects of their first job.

njy11801 · Apr 18, 2006

Great ideas Jolie- I agree with you 100% about the things "universally understood among new grads" that you mentioned. That's why I was posting this thread because I am searching for the things that they don't necessarily see as a student in clinical, such as you mentioned dealing with unsatisfactory working conditions. Thanks so much!

And thanks to all for you input-I am a new instructor and am still learning myself:-)

vegetarian_goddess · Apr 18, 2006

All new grads need the basics such as gaining clinical experience, time management skills, prioritization, organization. I think that is universally understood among the new grads themselves and the staff who hire and orient them.
I would suggest focusing on other significant issues that affect most, if not all new grads such as: Working off shifts. Learning how and when to implement the chain of command to address unsatisfactory conditions such as poor patient care and inadequate staffing. Understanding the roles of other healthcare professionals such as PT, OT, Social Worker, etc. Professional issues such as license renewal, CEUs, liability insurance, mandatory reporting of child/elder abuse, impaired nurses, etc.
Most students are soooo focused on getting thru school that they don't give much thought to the non-clinical aspects of their first job.

These are GREAT ideas!