The "Teach a Student Something-a-Day" thread!

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In an effort to not enter nursing school as a completely nieve individual, I was hoping that some 2nd years or RN's could share something beneficial with us students each day.

It can be anything little or totally meaningful. Whatever you contribute will be greatly appreciated and hopefully will help me to be a better student and nurse ;)

Thanks!

Student with three years down, one to go here. Get a job in a hospital if you can. I feel like I have learned more in the past two months working in an ICU than I have learned at school in the past two years. Here's some wisdom that ICU nurses have passed on to me. They love when I ask questions, because I am letting them know what I don't yet know. They love to help with baths, because they feel it gives them the oppurtunity to do a real in depth assessment, especially of the skin. Try not to be nervous. Don't let anyone bully you around. Don't be a smartxxx or a name caller or gossiper, but stick up for yourself. If you have the time, read the patient's chart, especially the PMH and HPI. Good luck all:)

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Listen! Always listen! Practice common sense. Remember, just because you are the student, you are not always wrong. Ask questions. Have common sense. Be courteous. Listen. Don't think you know everything just because you have an A average. Don't do anything you know you shouldn't or that you question just because someone tells you to. Think for yourself. If you don't know, find out. Keep a small notebook in your pocket for making notes of things you want to look up later or to remember. Last but not least, don't forget to laugh! good luck

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Hi. I don't know if this was already said- too many to read tonight. But, if you have a patient on dialysis with an AV fistula assess the thrill and bruit. It's cool it you've never felt what a thrill is, or have heart the bruit with a stethescope(sounds like flowing water). My 2nd semester I had a patient w/ it and I was excited.

Lung sounds are also neat you'll get good at them. You may not be able to name it "crackles, rhonchi" etc.. but you'll hear something different and know it's not right.

The first time I heard a heart murmur that was neat too. Sounded swishing to me too. If your not sure if it's a heart or lung sound listen w/ the bell all heart fields esp the apex, and if you still hear it, it's a murmur.

I'm just a sucker for my sence of hearing.

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I love this thread....I've learned so much reading it over the past SEVERAL days...

keep it coming :)

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I'm starting clinicals in January...but wanted to add this. ALWAYS be on time. We were told today that they withdrew a 3rd semester RN student for being late 3 times for clinicals. So always be there and be early!!! :)

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Specializes in Psych, Cardiac, School Nursing.

Thanks everyone for taking the time to give your 2 bits. I am just taking my prereqs now but I'm going to come back to this thread and copy and save on my computer all your great advice. Keep it coming.

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I cannot emphasize enough the need to be ORGANIZED as a nursing student. Your life will be 10 x easier if you learn how to organize your day in clinical.

No question is a stupid question! Ask as many questions as possible, you will learn more than anyone else this way.

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Specializes in ER/Trauma.
I love this thread....I've learned so much reading it over the past SEVERAL days...

keep it coming :)

Ditto, I spent a good our reading this thread. One of the best hours of my life ever spent!

I want to personally thank all the contributors to this thread!

THANK YOU!

You have just made a student nurse less nervous and more confident about his day-to-day life!

I can't tell you how much of a relief this is! :)

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Specializes in Med Surg/Tele/ER.
Before heading in for a clinical day, know EVERYTHING about your patient. Know their meds, side effects, their disease, its treatment, labs, etc. Nurses on the unit where you are doing clinicals hate it when students come and want to take care of their patient, but know nothing about his/her care. If you know your stuff---you will get to do more, and ultimately learn more.

Another BIG ONE: jump in there and do things. If a nurse/instructor says "Who want to try _____________" (IV, dressing change, whatever), jump in there, say "I do!" even if you have no idea what you are doing. It's the best way to learn, and you'll gain confidence.

Good luck to all!!!!:nurse:

We get our pt the same day of clinicals. I was spending all my time looking up meds, getting hx out of chart then meeting my pt & do an assessment.I didn't have a clue what was going on, so I asked my instructor if I could get my pt the night before. Now I go home look up meds, labs ect & this has helped so much. I also asked if I could come in early & hear report (Had never done that either) this also helps alot. Most of us live a ways from the hosp. & that's why we got our pt the day of clinicals but the drive is worth it for me.

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

If you are taking a test, and one of the answers is "handwashing" - that is always the right answer! LOL.:chuckle

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what a great thread! Just had to say that so I can bump this up! Keep them coming, SG

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Specializes in OB, lactation.

btt~~~bump~~~~btt

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