Things You Didn't Learn in Nursing School

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    Joe V
    Editorial Team / Admin

    Joe V

    7 Articles; 2,625 Posts

Specializes in Programming / Strategist for allnurses.

We learned a lot in nursing school, but some things you can only learn while on the job. Here are just a few of them.

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I wonder if anyone owns the full 12-volume set? ;)

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

That seldom are things as perfect as they had to be in order to pass the tests, particularly skills check offs.

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How to pass meds to 26 patients in 1 hour.

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Didn't learn that nurses are also pharmacist, respiratory therapist, clinical techs, physical therapists, cosmetologist, environmental services and the list goes on. Apparently we do it all....

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How quickly/continuously medical science advances/changes, and how much time, effort and expense is involved in trying to keep up with the changes from the point of view of nursing practice.

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Specializes in Trauma | Surgical ICU.

How to navigate, adapt and keep your spirits high in nursing?

I know there are many subjects that discussed about it. But nothing can really prepare a nurse outside. There's too many factors. Too many people to navigate. We have to be flexible but not a pushover. Assertive and not aggressive. Basically, how to roll with the bull.

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What I didn't learn in nursing school was that I only learned enough to get me to the point where I could START to learn what I would need to know to work as a nurse.

Have often referred to the Newly-Minted Nurse as having a License to Learn.

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I wish there was a clearly written and up to date book somewhere explaining it all!

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When I graduated from nursing school, I was basically licensed to apply bandaids. The real learning comes with experience. Having a 6 hour clinical that included a one hour lunch break, 30 minutes and pre and post conference, did not prepare us what soever.

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elprup said:
I wish there was a clearly written and up to date book somewhere explaining it all!

I believe you're looking for "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" :D

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

"One time use only" is a term used very liberally in the home care setting.

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