What are you best work tips?

dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I · Jun 28, 2011

Document, document, document! If called on the carpet, never use memory. As soon as you say I remember you're set up for "how come you remember that but not this." I remember nothing! My documentation is there for us all to read, and has saved my asterisk several times.

Florence NightinFAIL, BSN, RN · Jun 28, 2011

When I have one room with 2-4 pts - I bring a save-a-day tray and put in some extra alcohol wipes, labels, gauze, tape, scissors, flushes, etc. and place it on the windowsill. That way I don't have to run to the med room each time I forgot one of those items. It saves me a lot of trips (when I remember to do that).

I also use it to place my labelled med cups so that I don't have to do multiple trips in my med pass!

Tait, MSN, RN · Jun 28, 2011

I get to work thirty minutes early so I can organize my patients paperwork, say my hellos to night shift, and prepare my self for the day :)

msn10 · Jun 28, 2011

Never, under any circumstances talk badly about anyone behind their back. This rule applies to more than just nursing, but I learned this in 5th grade and it is the best life lesson I ever learned.

Open, honest communication creates a wonderful culture and preserves your credibility - even if some of your co-workers don't behave in the same way.

hopefulwhoop · Jun 28, 2011

Your coworkers are not your friends. Be careful what you say at work, who you say it to and who's around when you say it.

Poi Dog · Jun 28, 2011

1. Make sure you have an extra pair of scrubs. You never know what may happen in the course of your shift.

2. I take personal hygiene items (tampons, tooth brush/paste, deodorant) because there is always a possibility I may get mandated.

3. Don't let you gas tank go below 1/2. I am horrible at NOT doing this and have learned my lesson.

4. Don't get caught up in the negativity. It does absolutely nothing good for you. Be your own person.

I like this thread!

Forever Sunshine, ASN, RN · Jun 28, 2011

1. Make sure you have an extra pair of scrubs. You never know what may happen in the course of your shift.
2. I take personal hygiene items (tampons, tooth brush/paste, deodorant) because there is always a possibility I may get mandated.
3. Don't let you gas tank go below 1/2. I am horrible at NOT doing this and have learned my lesson.
4. Don't get caught up in the negativity. It does absolutely nothing good for you. Be your own person.
I like this thread!

All of that and bring lots of snacks. I don't know about all of you but I'm a witch when I'm hungry.

athflying · Jun 28, 2011

I am a newer nurse with just one years experience, but the two most important things I have learned are get as much done as you can when you can. If you have a lull in your shift...chart, chart, chart, or get wound care done or something. Been a couple times I let myself get lazy thinking I had an easier assignment or was ahead of schedule, then next thing you know you get a really difficult admission or a patient goes bad and before you know it, you are way behind.

Secondly, whenever I go into a room, I try and anticipate anything that patient may need for the next couple hours and go ahead and grab it. Saves me a lot of trips back and forth.

Lastly, we do walking rounds at shift change, when I am in the room saying my hello, I take 30 seconds to check fluids, IV sites, line expiration dates, etc....with that snapshot of what is going on, you know if you should grab a bag of fluids when you pull 8/9 o'clock meds, maybe ask the charge nurse to start a new site for you....helps keep you on top of things and save some time.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Jun 28, 2011

I wholeheartedly agree with your coworkers are not your friends. We have to be respectful and civil, but you're there for your patients, not friends. If you happen to make a friend, great. But that isn't a priority. Conversely, you don't have to like everyone to be able to get the job done.

Be an advocate for your patient. Even if the Dr. Is giving you a hard time, and you know you need a certain order, keep after him/her until it gets done. These patients are your responsibility, and they often cannot advocate for themselves. Learn to trust your instincts.

As far as supplies...when you do have "free" time, use this time to stock up and stay organized.

I cook a few healthy meals on the day before I return to work. That way, I'm not tempted to eat junk on my nights.

Learn to be flexible and go with the flow :) During very busy moments, I remind myself that I can only be going so fast.

It's 24 hour care. Do what you can, and don't worry about the rest. Unless its an emergency, I leave within 30 minutes of my shift ending. Someone else can worry about the rest. I leave knowing that I did the best I could.

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Jun 28, 2011

I wake up at 0400 so that I can take my time getting ready in the morning. I have to be at work between 0620 and 0630, so I like to have this "centering time" to think about what I need to accomplish for the day, review a difficult case/notes for the case and have a few extra minutes to hug and kiss my puppy and my hubby (yes, in THAT order) before I start my day.

On Sunday nights, I boil 6-8 eggs and put two in little Glad containers so that I will have some protein for breakfast and a mid-day snack. I just grab and go in the morning on my way out the door.

I have a small notebook (a little bigger than my palm) that I have divided into sections for each doc I work with. I put their ID# along with glove size and pager number at the top of the page, then I make notes regarding their preferences for each case.

I typed out a tiny little cheat sheet of important numbers (that I don't already have memorized, like nighttime pharm# or pt equipment#) that I taped to the back of my badge so that I will always have those numbers with me.

I get my charting done as quickly as I can and have my report sheet ready to go at least 1 hour before my expected relief gets in the room. It seems to never fail-the crap hits the fan RIGHT at 1800. I would rather be as prepared as I can be for the oncoming nurse ahead of time so that I can put out the fires that inevitably spark that last witching hour before I leave for the day.

When my teammates see that I am in the weeds and help me without my asking them to, I bring in a candy bar or write them a brief note of thanks the next day.

I treat new staff and new interns the way I would want to be treated. If they ask where something is, I would rather take the time to walk them to the desired location rather than explain it-they are more comfortable and I get satisfaction of knowing that they won't get lost from my bungled directions!

Thanks for starting this thread!

Cat_RN, ASN, BSN, RN · Jun 28, 2011

One of the aides taught me this: When putting someone on a bed pan, especially if they're heavy or can only minimally help you, put some body lotion or peri-wash on the pan and it slides right under their bum without sticking!