3 things you wish someone would have told you, that you had to find out on your own..

[OnlybyHisgraceRN]

The purpose of this thread is to pass "pearls of wisdom" to novice nurses, experienced nurses may learn something too. I'm not a new nurse, 3 years in but I can still use some pearls. I'll go first:

1. Always go with your gut instinct, if something does not seem right investigate and ask questions.

2. Never unspike a pressure bad without deflating it first. It will explode

3.Remember to clamp the line when unhooking lines... especially when running PRBC

4. Don't trust everyone that smiles in your face, however it is important to have atleast one work buddy to confide in.

Okay, that is four. Add as many as you like.

[Cat_RN, ASN, BSN, RN]

1. Your emotions can make things a lot more stressful/chaotic; know that and keep them in check. Panicking is never going to make any situation better.

2. Don't let patients or family members control or monopolize you. Many will try but realize you have many others who deserve your attention as well. If they get antsy at your for not coming in every 5 minutes to 'fluff the pillow', suggest they may like to pay for a private nurse

3. Often times, the less you say, the better off you are.

[nrsang97, BSN, RN]

1. Your emotions can make things a lot more stressful/chaotic; know that and keep them in check. Panicking is never going to make any situation better.

2. Don't let patients or family members control or monopolize you. Many will try but realize you have many others who deserve your attention as well. If they get antsy at your for not coming in every 5 minutes to 'fluff the pillow', suggest they may like to pay for a private nurse

3. Often times, the less you say, the better off you are.

To add to #3, if it feels good to say it, then don't.

[That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

1. If you dont know something....ask

2. If you dont feel comfortable doing something cause you are new at it....ask for help

3. The difference between a bad and good night is often determined by how good your aides are and how good you treat them

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I do not have to know everything. Just learning that caused me to release a lot of anxiety. I have smart friends, co-workers and other resources and I have learned to say in a professional manner, "I don't know, but I will try to find out for you".

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

1. new grads: I promise it gets better with time. Just hang in there! It takes at least 6 months - 1 year to become comfortable, sometimes even longer. Remember, you are never alone.

2. try not to take things personally.

3. remember the golden rule: treat others the way you want to be treated. Teamwork is key and your aides can make or break your shift. Develop a good working relationship with them and treat them with respect. It makes for a much smoother shift.

[FrogBugs]

Always make sure the lid is on tight before shaking a bottle. Maalox is really hard to get out of your hair.

[That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Always make sure the lid is on tight before shaking a bottle. Maalox is really hard to get out of your hair.

Charcoal is a million times worse.

[Cuddleswithpuddles]

One random thing:

One *coughcoughme!* may mean very well but diluting Mucomyst PO into a whole glass of cranberry juice just means the patient will have to chug more liquid fart.

It is better to dilute it into a smaller amount of liquid that the patient can just tip back like a shot from the world's worst bartender.

[Sugarcoma, RN]

1. What ever ratio you are quoted during your interview...add 2.

2. There is NOTHING stronger and faster in this world than a 90lb. 92 year old woman.

3. EVERYONE is a fall risk until proven otherwise.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

Always make sure the lid is on tight before shaking a bottle. Maalox is really hard to get out of your hair.

[gsmeagle2918]

1. If in an emergent situation and you don't know what to do...get out of the way!

2. Patient advocacy, pt advocacy, pt advocacy!

3. If you work in a teaching hospital like a do, and I'm a fairly new grad, you will be expected to teach the residents.

[MJB2010]

Always make sure the lid is on tight before shaking a bottle. Maalox is really hard to get out of your hair.

Haha protein shake supplements are equally difficult to remove from clothes and hair, but at least they smell like vanilla. :) Dries like rubber in your hair.