"I'm just a student nurse!"

lvaliav · Sep 1, 2009

hmm.. i totally understand what you mean and really curious as to know other people's opinions... anyone????

mommadoula · Sep 1, 2009

you need to take out the work Just and say "I'm a Nurse" it will make you feel more confident. That is what a L & D nurse told me to do when i was introducing myself "I'm just a Doula"

Good Luck! I Can't wait to say I'm a nursing student (hopfully next year)

gaia1214 · Sep 1, 2009

Now in an NP program, I remember when I was an oncology chaplain intern and, in a particular case with an incarcerated cancer patient, saw a clear need for a team meeting to coordinate his care. I will never forget what my chaplaincy supervisor said to me: "You are not a 'chaplain intern.' You are a chaplain. Call the meeting." It wasn't often that chaplains called meetings like this, but it ended up making a huge difference in managing this patient's care. Bravo to you for being willing to step out of "I'm just a student" (a variation of "I just work here") and really take ownership of your role. We're all here to support you!

miss81, BSN, RN · Sep 1, 2009

I remember my first year as a nurse feeling that same way. I soon learned that the best way to deal is to walk into a room with confidence and use every opportunity to educate my patients about the things I DID know well. This makes them realize that you are an intelligent professional. When I was asked a question that I didn't know the answer to I would confidently say, "That IS a good question, I'll find out for you now..." Then when I would either come back with the answer (or with someone who could explain it well) I would end the conversation with, "Well, now I know... Thanks for asking that question!" And the next time you WILL have the answer... because there will be a next time! You'll probably get that question a thousand times before your career is over. Believe me professionalism and confidence goes a long way for people respecting you! Also, what ever unit you end up working on there is usually a dozen or so treatments/surgeries/meds etc. that are very, very common on the unit. Ask a seasoned nurse that you trust to go over these with you, including what the tx entails, the expected outcomes, what can go wrong and what intervention are important when things do go wrong! Hope this helps, good luck...

Music in My Heart · Sep 1, 2009

Start by being a very hard worker who's willing to pitch in and do the dirty work and the little things. Be willing to always lend a hand to help move another nurse's patient, answer their call light for them if they're tied up, get their patient onto/off of the bed pan, whatever. In other words, don't just "take" from your experienced colleagues, have something to "give" as well.

Virgo_RN, BSN, RN · Sep 1, 2009

When I was new, I found that the best way to approach my coworkers with questions was to first, always think it through for myself. Once I had the problem, a possible course of action complete with rationale identified, I would take that to my trusted coworker. They would then tell me if I was on the right track, or if there was something else I hadn't considered.

Never ever say "What do I do?" without having thought about it first.

For example, your patient's blood pressure has dropped to 70/40. You could:

1) Go to the other nurse and say "My patient's BP is 70/40, what should I do?"

2) Go to the other nurse and say "My patient's BP just dropped to 70/40; I'm thinking I should flatten him out, hang a fluid bolus, and page the doctor. Am I on the right track?"

Or:

1) My patient's BP is 88/55. He has an EF of 15%. He has a dose of Coreg due now. Should I hold the med?

2) My patient's BP is 88/55 and he has an EF of 15%. I'm thinking I should wait until his systolic is greater than 90 before giving his Coreg. I'll recheck his BP in an hour. Does this sound reasonable?

Can you see the difference between the two approaches to problem solving? Think it through first, and then ask your question.

ashely21 · Sep 1, 2009

I think everyone feels this way as a student. I am just now beginning my career on a critical care floor. I still have so much to learn and take in so much every day. Just remember, when you start working to pick a hospital that has a good training program that will give you a one on one preceptorship and all the resources you need to succeed. They will not just throw you out to the wolves and if they do, maybe its a sign you should look somewhere else.

justiceforjoy · Sep 1, 2009

I said that once and was instantly corrected by a very awesome social worker, whom I was talking to about a patient, "No. Not *just* a student! :) "

Quiskeya · Sep 2, 2009

I undestand where you are coming from because I feel the same way. Just respectuly but unashamefully say: I am not sure about the answer to that, but I will find that out and come back to you with a response".