Want to advise a new grad RN/BSN? :)

RN4NICU, LPN, LVN · Jun 23, 2005

Ask lots of questions - you will learn a ton of stuff from your preceptor that way.

If you find yourself with a preceptor that does not take the time to explain things or answer your questions (or tries to make you feel dumb for asking), ask your nurse manager about getting another preceptor. You want to get the most out of the time you spend on orientation (it flies by, believe me) and that can be difficult to do if you and your preceptor do not have a good working/teaching relationship.

Don't be afraid to look things up. Nobody knows everything.

Don't be afraid to speak up if you feel you are not getting what you need out of your orientation (i.e. need more IV experience, need more complex patients, etc). You want to get as big a variety of experiences as you can while you still have a preceptor with you to back you up.

Even when you get off orientation, do not be afraid to ask for help. If you are unsure about something, ask the charge nurse to help you.

Don't stress (or try not to stress). The more relaxed you are, the more easily things will come vs. if you are stressed and too hard on yourself, even the little things will be a struggle.

Good luck and congo rats on your recent graduation.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jun 23, 2005

Believe in yourself.

Good luck. :)

SmilingBluEyes · Jun 24, 2005

You have achieved a great thing, graduating and earning your BSN. Now, the REAL learning begins......

Don't ever pretend to know what you don't. Be a sponge---watch and listen to what is going on around you. Take mental notes. Find mentors and emulate their good habits. Take note of the bad habits and avoid those.

Listen to your patients; they know their bodies better than you do.

Have integrity----be honest with yourself and others.

Stay out of the gossip game/circle. It goes nowhere and brings down morale, including your own.

Be on time! EVERYtime. When you are late, so am I. And I don't like to be late!

Stay organized as possible. Keep up on your charting and tasks as they come up. Dont' save it all for "later"---there may not be time, "later".

Do it right the first time, even if there IS "no time". Believe me, there is no time to "Do it over", either.

Plan for the worst; hope for the best.

Be someone they can rely on---and rely on yourself!

Take good care of yourself; eat well, exercise. It's the only body you got and you are gonna need it. Nurture the self. Nurses have a tendency to martyr themselves and neglect their own needs. Don't be one of them; it's a fast superhighway to burn-out.

Nourish the mind. Plan on spending a LOT of time investing in your continuing education as a nurse. The world of nursing/medicine is changing faster everyday. You are going to have to make a conscious and concerted effort to "stay abreast". It's more work than you imagine right now.....plan on it.

Learn assertiveness if you have not already. Lots of good books and conferences/seminars exist. Learn early-on you no are NO ONE's doormat. Also, know there is a difference between "assertion" and "aggression".

Work hard, yes, but don't forget to PLAY hard too! Have hobbies you enjoy. Your life is NOT your work, and while being a nurse is part of who you are, it need not *define* you.

Hope this helps. Warm, hearty congratulations to you and all new grads here.

Good luck on your NCLEX and new career. :) Welcome to nursing.

lady_jezebel · Jun 24, 2005

Be kind to yourself. Don't be too hard on yourself if you make a mistake. Just learn from it & move on.