The best nursing advice you've ever received

[findingmywayRN]

I was just thinking back to the advice and wisdom I'd received over the years and laughed at how true so much of it was!

Can anyone post the best nursing advice they've been given here?

Here are some of my favorites:

1. You control the room, the room doesn't control you

2. The best doctors are the ones who listen to nurses

3. Always trust your instincts

4. Never suction anything with your mouth open

Anyone else?

[smokey123]

My nursing instructor on the first day of clinicals told me, "Always treat your patients as if they were your family members."

[wbc]

Excellent advice!

Winona

[wbc]

The doctor is much more likely to give you want you want (need) if you ask in a calm and organized manner. Get your ducks in a row and have the answers to his questions before you page him.

No one was born with a white cap on their head...be nice to students and seek them out when there is something interesting going on.

Everyone has a place and everyone isn't in their place, things will fall apart. RNs are no more important than LPNs. LPNs are no more important than CNAs. Respect everyone from the Chief of Staff to the housekeeper.

Being polite, approachable, and kind to any student will turn out polite, approachable, and kind professionals one day. I say this as a former student and nursing instructor.

[wbc]

I try and live each shift and every interaction by the golden rule. I attempt to treat every patient like they are my mother or brother, and each staff member how I would want them to treat me. I've yet to master this though

:yeah:Amen! The Golden Rule works in every aspect of our lives.

[Sistermoon]

Yuppers! A+ in medical abbreviations!

[wbc]

It was really interesting reading all that advice! I'm sure it will come in handy once I start NS in Sept! :)

I've got one stupid question , but I'm going to follow the advice, and ask it anyway, 'cause I'm in doubt:

What does CYA sand for? Is it "Cover Your A**" ?

Yep, CYA means what you think it means. Remember this--there is no such thing as a stupid question. If you have it that validates it. Never let anyone make you feel stupid. Nursing school requires lots of time and sacrifice so take care of yourself. Don't compare yourself to others. That is one of the worst mistake students make in my humble opinion.

[OgopogoLPN, LPN, RN]

New onset confusion in the elderly is like a fever for a child. (Assess for infection)

"Not too wet, not too dry, just like the inside of your eye"---moisture balance for optimal wound healing.

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

To find out if someone is in need of bath assistance, or if their caregiver is doing a good job, I look at the bellybutton and the ears. Toenails are revealing too, for seniors living at home.

[azureblue]

"Get yourself a great, really great stethoscope. It will cost over a hundred dollars, and as a new grad, you might have to save up for it, but it will be an investment in your patients' quality of care. You will hear crackles and wheezes before things get worse, and heart sounds you've never heard before." - Advice I got over 30 years ago from an ICU pulmonologist, and, boy, was he right!

[llg, PhD, RN]

Go to graduate school.

[RPN_2012]

Yup!

lol, thought so

[RPN_2012]

Yep, CYA means what you think it means. Remember this--there is no such thing as a stupid question. If you have it that validates it. Never let anyone make you feel stupid. Nursing school requires lots of time and sacrifice so take care of yourself. Don't compare yourself to others. That is one of the worst mistake students make in my humble opinion.

Thanks! :)

I usually try to not compare myself to others, I just do my best, but when classmates start sharing grades, and asking how did you do... sometimes you can't help but get dragged into the whole comparison game... it drives me nuts.