The old teaching the new

[panda_181]

I am a third year nursing student and I know that I don't know it all...actually, I feel I don't really know much. I have been told by so many nurses that you learn more in the first 6 months of your career than you will ever learn in school, and I believe this. But can someone give me a few words of wisdom so that I'm not so shocked when I get into the real nursing world? Thanks!

Amanda

[ClariceS]

Here's a couple ideas. First, try to get work at a place that offers a mentor or preceptor for your orientation. Yes you will learn more in the first 6 - 12 months of your career than you realize! A good mentor or preceptor will lead the way. Second, keep an open mind, especially in the beginning. Experienced nurses often have ways of doing things that get the job done quicker or easier but still as properly done as the "ideal" they are teaching you in school. Learn from this as it will help you develop your own style of nursing based on their teaching and your schooling.

These are just a couple hints (I know there are more) that might help you through the first few learning months! Best of luck on your new career!

[Montde]

I've been a Med/Surg and ICU RN for 8 years and I'm still a baby in the field. Advice is find older nurses and friendly Dr.'s that like to talk and pick their brains! Check,check and double check your meds, if you dont understand rationel for therapy ask ( even if you look stupid) it's much better to appear dumb than hurt someone. Know that there are those who love to help you and those who love to eat you alive ( understand that those who bite are basicly afraid). Know that there will be days you feel like you failed but also understand that just by being there you really didnt. Good Luck!

[TXERRN]

Try to get into an internship if you can. These internships are set up so that you have an experienced nurse all to yourself, plus extra classes and seminars that go beyond nursing school type information.

I went through a 3 month ER internship and have been in the ER now for 3 years and love it. I still learn on a daily basis, but would never have done it without the internship, it made me feel like a safer nurse.

Nurses do tend to eat their young, but hang in there, be assertive, have a positive attitude and always ask questions. Questions make the more experienced nurses feel like they are contributing to your becoming an RN from a GN.

And again, ask questions, never say "oh, I knew/know that", even if you do.

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TX ER RN