IrishRN84

Thanks so much! Its so comforting to know that im where i should be, especially since most days i feel like i don't even know which end is up! Thanks for the encouragement...you sound like you're doing great and I hope to be in your situation when im at one year!!! irishRn84

I absolutely agree about releasing the tourniquet when you have accessed the vein!! Not only does it decrease your odds of blowing the vein, it is alot less mess to clean up!! I learned this the hard way :) plus, the patient feels alot better when they don't see their blood everywhere, especially those patients that tend to get worked up very easily.

Thanks so much for starting this thread!!! I know for me personally, i will have a terribly shift where just about everything goes wrong, and ill come home and come on here, and find out quickly that I am not alone, that there are thousands of new nurses feeling the same exact way I do, and its such a relief and a blessing! I am just shy of 5 months into my first year of nursing. I work on a surgical unit that specializes in GI and GYN procedures, with some medical thrown in. At first i loved it, i felt good about what I was doing. Then i got off of orientation 6 weeks ago, and despite positive feedback from my Charge RN and director, i feel like i am off my game most days. I have made a few classic mistakes, given a pt barium contrast without checking when they would be going for their CT, etc. but all in all i come out of each day alive in one piece, and so do my patients (thank god!). But i feel...blah. Like there is TOO much paperwork, too much computer charting, too many patients and not enough time to give each of them the care they need or deserve! I know its normal to feel this way...but when does it END?! hahah....like someone mentioned in a previous post..i cant wait to go to the experienced nurse phase and skip right over this novice period!!! Thanks to everyone for their advice, IrishRn84 :-)

I too had a medication quiz when i first started nursing (4 months ago) and here are some I would be sure to know about Insulin...so many mistakes can happen with insulin! be familiar with the different types and onset of action. Beta Blockers and other Cardiac medications..many of these have parameters to be aware of prior to administration Digoxin Solumedrol and other steroids...side effects (flushed face, tachycardia, monitor glucose levels) IV narcotics..it is policy in my hopsital to administer Dilaudid diluted in 10ml of NS and adminster over 5 mins...elderly patients in particular can bottom out with the BP or respirations Hope this helps!!!! good luck!

Hi, I am a recent graduate and have been working on a surgical unit for 4 months now. Im doing pretty well, my clinical skills are very good, and my judgement is on point. But i HATE my unit! I have up to 8 patients in a shift..and with discharges and admits, i may be charting on upwards of 12 patients. I personally don't think this is a safe environment to learn OR provide thorough patient care. My real passion and are of interest is the ICU, whether it be medical/surgical/cardiac...whatever! What i want to know is...is it really hard to transition from a surgical or medical floor to the ICU? I want to have a year of experience before i find a new specialty..but im afraid ill be thrown to the wolves!!! Do all nurses hired to the ICU get a solid orientation and education, or is that kind of training limited to new grads?? Any advice would help lots!!! Thanks!!! **Confused and Frustrated New Grad

This is a really awesome thread guys!!! I take my NCLEX on thurs and this is really helping!!!! Here are a few from me: Myocardial Infarction: Think MONA: Morphine, O2, Nitro, ASA When palpating a fundus on a postpartum patient, always have them void first When Brethine is given for preterm labor, tachycardia is always the problem Epiglottiditis: priority is having a trach set at the bedside and NEVER inspect the throat! It causes spasms and can occlude the airway Veinous occlusion (DVT) think warm and red...increase venous RETURN by RAISING the leg Arterial occlusion think cold and pale..increase arterial outflow by keeping the leg in a flat or slightly dependent position Newborn infant with tuft of hair: spina bifida occulta White spots on a babys gums are normal..called epsteins pearls Fundal height > # of weeks pregnant = always suspect hydatiform mole 1 oz= 30 mL 1 tsp= 5mL 1 tbsp= 15 mLs Patients taking antipsychotics are at risk for Neuroleptic Maligant Syndrome which is a medical emergency characterized by hyperthermia GOOD LUCK EVERYONE! KEEP EM COMING! :)

Thanks so much for the advice!!! Im sure it will all fall into place, and I can't wait to get started!!!

Im a graduate nurse, taking my boards in one week. I have a job on a surgical unit to begin my career, which im thrilled about! Lately, however, I have been stressing that I may never find my "niche" in nursing. I have liked every clinical rotation in nursing school (with the exception of OR and burns) and would love to find a job that i LOVE. Med/surg is fast paced and stressful, and I know alot of nurses who hate it, and the LAST thing i want is to hate my job!! So does anyone have any advice on any resources or books or even personal experience in how to find your nursing niche?? Thanks!!!