Things you tell newbies

Nurses Relations

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A fairly new nurse asked for help bagging a body, as she had never had to do that before. On the way in I stopped, grabbed her arm and said "dead bodies make noises!". She just looked at me with a "yeah right, pull the other one". The other nurse solemnly agreed, yes, they make noises. Newbie couldn't quite decide if she believed us or not, when we kept insisting that dead bodies really do make noises!

So as we were turning the poor fellow onto his side, (he was rather large), the air rushed out in a loud "AAUUUUGHHHH".

She froze looked up at us, totally wide eyed and exclaimed "I am SO glad you warned me before!! I didn't believe you!"

So what would you tell a newbie?

Specializes in LTC Rehab Med/Surg.

It seems our new crop of nurses don't need any words of wisdom.

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It seems our new crop of nurses don't need any words of wisdom.

That's usually the most dangerous kind...

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Specializes in MDS/ UR.

Keep paddling.

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Specializes in Hospice.

Never let them see you sweat, fake it 'til you make it, and NEVER assume ANYTHING.

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I have enjoyed reading these!! I start my program this fall and i will keep these posts handy! Annnnnnd, whoever thinks they dont need any advice as a new nurse better think twice! In this profession, you definitely have to have an open mind! Thanks for the posts!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Emergency, CEN.

New nurses seem to be nervous about what to do in a code. I tell them to just:

YELL FOR HELP! ;)

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Never let them see you sweat, fake it 'til you make it, and NEVER assume ANYTHING.

I received this wisdom any moons ago...has served me well...and I don't mind passing it along! :nurse:

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I'm still a noob (coming up on the golden "year" in June) - never be afraid to tell a patient you have to "check" on something when you don't know the exact answer.

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Specializes in Gerontology.

Don't believe everything the pt tells you.

Be careful of what you say to whom. That oh so friendly nurse that encourages you to talk about things may be the biggest back stabber on the floor.

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No I beg to differ. The hardest part of nursing is dealing with family regardless of patient age.

Do use your brain, and your gut. Those feelings are important.

doctors will yell, not put their charts back and in general act like asses, not that nursing staff is except from such behaviors either. It doesn't mean you did anything wrong personally. Ignore the rants that usually silences them fast.

the worst thing that can happen is the patient dying in which case you already know what to do so relax.

im not asking questions in report to torment you. As long as you keep in improving I won't actually be mad. I just know that those ridicules things I just ask will be ones you don't forget again. God knows I did the same thing once.

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Specializes in CICU.

Keep your mouth closed while doing any patient care involving bodily fluids or tube feeds. Or anytime you are assisting a physician with a bedside procedure.

Particularly - ignore the advice to "breathe through your mouth". It is infinitely better to smell poo than to taste it....

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Don't stand close enough to an aggressive patient that you will get punched.

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