What is your advice?

Hiya--I started orienting recently as a GN. 1st thing I do when I get there is get an assessment sheet (pre-made sheets with info to write down BP, Resp, Lung sounds, etc. etc. etc. to use at end of shift for giving report). I write down pts in my mod by room #, diagnosis, doctor's name and then it gets filled in from there. I also carry around a small pad in my pocket to write anything that comes up for reminders. Also sticky pads are my friend.

Then I get the printout of the diet orders looking for any NPOs or change in diet orders. Then I go thru the med book looking for any blood sugars that need to be done for coverage and get those done or ask a CNA to do it. I use an index card to write down who needs BS during the day and the times and keep it on the med cart. After that I start on 7:30 meds. Check to see who needs apical pulses, blood pressures before the receive their beta blockers or whatever....That keeps me busy for awhile and while I'm administering the meds, I'm assessing the patient to write on my sheet and also the bedside sheets at that time if possible. Also trying to learn to delegate work like taking report on a new admission or discharge papers that need to be written up.

Then just be available for just about everything else that comes up in between. I'm sure you'll fall into a routine that works for you soon enough. Thank goodness the last few months of school we took 'management' clinicals where we got a lot of experience being med nurse, charge nurse, etc. etc.

I have a wonderful, wonderful preceptor and that makes all the difference in the world as well. Good luck to you.