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!

I have been an RN for almost 7 years. I've just made the connection with getting plenty of rest and doing things that replenish my being. I know you are probably saying "this chick is way out there", I hear that a lot. The truth is that being a good nurse requires us to give so much of ourselves. If you don't take the time to recharge the ole battery, so to speak, you may get burnout. There is a whole lot of truth to the phrase "If you don't take care of yourself, you will then be unable to care for others".

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Big ego's have NO place in nursing......take pearls of wisdom where you can get them. Admit readily when you do not know something...never ever pretend you know what you do not. Ask for help when you need it. Take care of your health and psyche..form good self-caring habits NOW before entering nursing.

best wishes.

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Originally posted by SmilingBluEyes

Big ego's have NO place in nursing......take pearls of wisdom where you can get them. Admit readily when you do not know something...never ever pretend you know what you do not. Ask for help when you need it. Take care of your health and psyche..form good self-caring habits NOW before entering nursing.

best wishes.

good advice for anything in life!:kiss

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Here's a good tip. If you're a nursing student, don't try to push your ideas off on people in General Discussion. You're bound to get eaten ;)

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Something that has served me well through my time in nursing school...learn the basics of the skills you will perform in your job as a nurse, from bedmaking to vitals to IV therapy, and practice, practice, practice! It will make you feel more at ease when the time comes to perform a skill on a real patient if you feel as though you have some idea of what you are doing. Also, take advantage of your role as a student and spend time getting to know your patient, even if it is just through friendly conversation. They will notice and appreciate it, and when the time comes to be out in the "real world" working as a nurse, you'll wish you had that kind of time to do that.

I'm currently an LPN (as of June 2003) and working on my last year of nursing school, to graduate may 2004. Best of luck to all of you!

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Don't forget the really basic stuff. You may know all about your pt's diagnosis, meds etc. But, when you go to transfer the pt from the bed, are the wheels locked on the bed and wheelchair?

Before inserting your first ever foley (and every one after that), be sure that your pt is not allergic to betadine. That one got me in my clinicals.

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Organize, organize, organize ! Take the time to find out about your patient then make a list of what has to be done, when to do it, what tests and procedures are scheduled, what time meds are due, and what lab tests have been ordered (so you know what results you are looking for). Have a time line for each patient to keep yourself organized. Develop your own clinical sheet (ask your co-workers for copies of their's and pick and choose from each one what works for you). Write everything down, your brain will be overwhelmed with things to remember, don't waste brain power trying to remember the small s&it. Above all remember, if you knew it all you wouldn't be a student.

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The advice here is awesome! I find it so helpful!

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Specializes in Operating Room,, Plastic Surgery.

carry a small 4x5 notebook in your pocket. instant paper to jot notes reminders, lab values names. I use one every day in the OR (modified for my needs .. case ,position, meds, etc) I call it my brain

marci

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NEVER THINK YOU KNOW MORE THAN ANYONE. I'VE LEARNED FROM SO MANY PEOPLE. I'M AN LPN (HOPEFULLY STARTING FOR MY RN IN JANUARY) AND I NEVER TURN MY NOSE UP AT ANYONE WHO IS WILLING TO TEACH ME SOMETHING. WHEN I BECOME AN RN I WILL HAVE NO PROBLEM ASKING AN LPN FOR ADVISE OR A QMA OR A CNA. EXPERIENCE IS WHAT MAKES YOU INTO A GOOD HEALTHCARE PROVIDER, NOT A DEGREE OR A TITLE. DIFFERENT PEOPLE SEE AND DO DIFFERENT THINGS ALL THE TIME. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ALL THE INFORMATION FLOATING AROUND OUT THERE. NEVER BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS BECAUSE THERE WILL COME A DAY WHEN YOU WISH YOU WOULD HAVE ASKED A CERTAIN QUESTION LONG BEFORE. I LOVE THIS THREAD IT'S GREAT. GOOD IDEA. THANKS:D

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Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far.

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Specializes in CCU (Coronary Care); Clinical Research.

Be nice to those you work with.. . CNAs/lab/RT/docs/pharmacy/radiology/RNs, etc.

It can never hurt to say please and thank you or give a smile, even if you are in a hurry...it will serve you well when you need a favor or just because.

Be respectful and assertive but don't be a pushover or rude. Remember you can't change other people...you can only change how you react...

Learn to take constructive criticism with a smile and not as a personal attack, use it to make your practice the best that you can. Practice critical thinking...

Learn something new each day, observe the way that others do things and adapt it to your own style (and policy...).

Most of all have fun, take time for yourself and enjoy what you do, tackle the rough days with a smile on your face, people will see it...:kiss

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