Tips for nurses in their first year of nursing

love2beanurse · May 21, 2008

This is probably one of the best advice posts I have ever read! Thanks!

It didnt post all of it

quote=ZASHAGALKA;1745143]I posted this in another, similar thread:

One more: when I first started out, on a medical unit with 10 pts, I organized myself into 3 first rounds. The first time through, I just introduced myself and stated I would be back soon.

That way, I could make sure that everyone was where they're supposed to be (not on the floor) and nobody was in acute distress (my first priority on everyone).

Then, 2nd rounds: I'd go back through and do my assessments.

3rd rounds, med pass and taking care of 'creature comforts'.

I found that those 3 'first' rounds organized my shift better, highlighted the priorities more soundly, and gave me time to 'impress' my pts. Nursing is at least part an acting gig. You can't 'take the time' with x pt when you don't know anything yet about 'y patient'.

I never stopped until my 'first rounds' were complete. But, at that point, my shift was well organized.

~faith,

Timothy.

jdartis · May 23, 2008

I just graduated Nursing school and I remember my first year!!! Find a good study partner!! After a few test, you get to learn of the ones who are doing well, these are the ones you want to attach yourself to throughout nursing school. Set certain times to study each week and each person in the group contributes note cards on their assigned chapters and then each of you exchange note cards on your chapters....What someone doesnt understand, you should be able to teach them about it. Ask each other questions as you read together....This is really helpful because it forces you to remember it because it encourages conversation about the topic. Lastly, Please read your chapters because instructors love to pull questions directle from the book, and if you read your chapters and do the review question for the chapter, you will be way ahead...My motto in school was to not be fooled by any question...Pride yourself on being prepared for any question they may add!! I hope this helps.

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · May 23, 2008

I just graduated Nursing school and I remember my first year!!! Find a good study partner!! After a few test, you get to learn of the ones who are doing well, these are the ones you want to attach yourself to throughout nursing school. Set certain times to study each week and each person in the group contributes note cards on their assigned chapters and then each of you exchange note cards on your chapters....What someone doesnt understand, you should be able to teach them about it. Ask each other questions as you read together....This is really helpful because it forces you to remember it because it encourages conversation about the topic. Lastly, Please read your chapters because instructors love to pull questions directle from the book, and if you read your chapters and do the review question for the chapter, you will be way ahead...My motto in school was to not be fooled by any question...Pride yourself on being prepared for any question they may add!! I hope this helps.

Nice post... but this thread is aimed at those who have graduated and are now working as a nurse in their first year.

jdartis · May 23, 2008

lol. Yea I noticed that after I posted. I thought it was 1st year nursing school. My bad. I have my first Inteview this month the 30th and I am excited about it. What about you? Hve you started working yet?

bmadsmom · May 23, 2008

I have been a nurse for just a few months now. So tips that I have picked up on especially in regards to passing medications on time is carry post-it notes and an alarm clock that can have multiple settings. I check my medication records and write down times that medications are due. Then stick these times on the front of the chart, (tape if you have to). Then set the alarm to remind me that these medications are due. This is especially helpful when you have multiple people and a lot of medications to pass during the day.

jdartis · May 23, 2008

Awesome. Thanks for the info. I'm sure I will use this tip when I start. As a new grad, were you able to negotiate your salary at all?

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · May 23, 2008

lol. Yea I noticed that after I posted. I thought it was 1st year nursing school. My bad. I have my first Inteview this month the 30th and I am excited about it.

That's great! Go out there and dazzle 'em!

What about you? Hve you started working yet?

Actually I'm just heading into my 15th year as an RN and my 12th in critical care. May be looking at a lateral career move soon, but don't want to jinx it by talking about it too much. We'll see.

burer35 · May 28, 2008

I Have Only Been A Nurse For Less Than 2 Months, But I Decided To Make A List Of All The Qualities Of A Good Nurse And I've Found That It Is Very Helpful In Helping Me To Mold My Nursing Career And Growth.

jeason · May 28, 2008

What's on your list?

southlandshari · Jun 2, 2008

oops - wrong thread

Zana2 · Jul 1, 2008

I was paniking big time. I was aware I don't know anything and worked myself into a frenzy trying to learn, learn, learn. Then I calmed down somewhat, learning that once you graduate, there'll be training available, I can't learn everything about all my placements and saw my experiences as 'tasters'. I was worried that learning opportunities won't came my way again, I has this strange idea that this is a time to consolidate all my nursing knowledge.

sherrytzu · Jul 2, 2008

Keep an open mind and don't assume you know everything. I was so afraid to do anything my first few months. I have just surpassed the one year mark and now I absolutely love it. I work in Home Health and I have learned so much. I have gone from field nurse to branch manager to Director of Clinical Services in just one year. Long story here. I am about to be certified in home health coding and I know the Oasis front and back. Just one year is all it took. Learning, learning, and learning.