Transition from Student to RN

2126 · Apr 29, 2011

Something I've been told many times already is realize you haven't even started learning and take in everything you can from your preceptors...even if you have seen it before.

Also, always ask questions, even if you think it's stupid. Many times a question you have is something other people have asked about before.

I just graduated myself, so good luck to you! I'm so excited to start this journey!

Pneumothorax, BSN, RN · Apr 30, 2011

you know what id like to know and i was just talking about this to one of my classmates...

during clinical and as time goes on i have been feeling more confident in my nursing abilities but something that i have no idea is how to call the doc! lol, do u just page them and call them back or how does that all work? bc im sure there are times where this will be a needed skill hahah

camarogirl512 · Apr 30, 2011

I am still in my orientation for my first acute care position and I have found that as each day goes by the transition gets easier. Don't be afraid to ask questions, that is why you have a preceptor. I have also found myself trying to be as independent as possible, but after a hard day the other day I realized that it is ok to ask for help with things.

I have gotten the paging and talking to the doctors down, just be prepared and try and be a step a head of what information they will need to know to answer your question.

To pneumothorax at my hospital we page the doctor and you leave your number and they will call you back. :nurse:

Trilldayz,RN BSN · Apr 30, 2011

My issue is documentation.... our school didn't make us document much at all and I'm scared that I won't be able to properly CYA. I'm going to buy that book called Charting Made Incredibly Easy. I need it!

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Apr 30, 2011

OP I think you will learn how to transition once you start working. This will take time. Just be confident but at the same time ask a ton of questions. A smart nurse asks questions a not so smart nurse don't asks questions and puts her license and patients life at risk. Good luck and congrats !!!

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Apr 30, 2011

you know what id like to know and i was just talking about this to one of my classmates...
during clinical and as time goes on i have been feeling more confident in my nursing abilities but something that i have no idea is how to call the doc! lol, do u just page them and call them back or how does that all work? bc im sure there are times where this will be a needed skill hahah

Generally how you call the doc depends on the situation and location of the doctor. Is it daytime and the doctor is on the floor? Are they on call? Is it midnight and they are home sleeping? On my floor, each doctor has an extension and you reach a secretary, who pages the doctor for you. So you give the secretary your number and they stay close to the phone until they call back. If the doc is at home, you might have to call their home number.

Have you ever heard of the SBAR format? It stands for Situation, Background, Assessment and Recommendation. It's a great form to follow when calling the doctor, it helps you stay organized, and can really reduce some of the anxiety associated with making calls. It also helps you give a quick, detailed report (especially good for those late night calls!)

For example (this is a true situation)- Your patient, a 68 year old male, is on telemetry and begins having bradycardia and what is known as a 'junctional rhythm.' He is asymptomatic, but has a hx of cardiac issues. He was admitted for pneumonia. Your phone call to the doctor goes like this:

"Dr X, this is nurse Y calling about Mr. Z in room 123. He is a 68 y/o male admitted for pneumonia and is on telemetry. About ten minutes ago he started showing bradycardia 45-55bpm with junctional rhythm. He is alert and oriented, no shortness of breath or chest pain, no associated symptoms. I wanted to know if you wanted to order an EKG and come take a look?"

In about 20 seconds, you've told the doc everything he needs to know about the situation.