I am 28 days and counting from graduation. I am in my preceptorship senior experience in clinicals and I am still learning a lot of tips of success that you cannot get out of a textbook. Some stuff I picked up from my preceptor, others just from clinicals at different hospitals. I have some, but I was wondering if others could chime in with other things learned. I don't want to learn these things the hard way. Some tips learned are:
A unit secretary is very knowledgeable about the unit and can either be a blessing or your worst enemy.
Never talk about a patient in the hall. A relative may be right there. (Learned from preceptor)
I still don't know doctor etiquette. If there is such a thing. But my preceptor says that there are consequences behind standing up to a physician. Didn't mention what they were.
Nursing is 50% patient care and 50% documentation.
If you scratch another nurses back, they'll return the favor.
Lastly, I learned that I want a job with a supportive staff as a new nurses. I don't want to be afraid to ask questions or get help when I need it.
Thing is, when you're new and inexperienced, you not really sure if you are right... unless there's a blatant, obvious error, a newbie will often not be sure if something is normal or not... yes, a newbie should stand up to a physician even if they just need clarification... but I think it's useful to acknowledge the difficulty of this when chances are that there is no problem (but you as a newbie don't know that for sure and so seek more information) and the physician (or other colleagues) may castigate the newbie for not knowing that something or for bothering them over 'nothing' and may even question the newbie's basic competency as a nurse... Sigh...
I have yet to see a new grad who is the only nurse in the hospital. If you are unsure go to your charge nurse at the least talk to the other staff nurses. We are all teachers. We have all been there.
Even experienced nurses check things out with their collegues. Who ever told you you had to make all decisions on your own? Who told you you have to know everything?
I have yet to see a new grad who is the only nurse in the hospital. If you are unsure go to your charge nurse at the least talk to the other staff nurses. We are all teachers. We have all been there.
Even experienced nurses check things out with their collegues. Who ever told you you had to make all decisions on your own? Who told you you have to know everything?
I noted that it was also other colleagues, such as fellow nurses, who sometimes gave newbies a hard time when they ask a question.
Thx April for that msg...Im also still working on my RN and am a CNA. You sound like you hv a sincere love for your pts, so I hope your RN comes smoothly. Best wishes.
Agnus
2,719 Posts
I have yet to see a new grad who is the only nurse in the hospital. If you are unsure go to your charge nurse at the least talk to the other staff nurses. We are all teachers. We have all been there.
Even experienced nurses check things out with their collegues. Who ever told you you had to make all decisions on your own? Who told you you have to know everything?