What should every new grauduate know, but probably does not?

JRDeeRN · Feb 20, 2013

I graduated in 2012, I will tell you what helped me.

Know a nurse who can put in a good word for you on her unit to get a fast hire. Otherwise so many other applications get unnoticed.

I took my nclex in June so all of my information would be fresh in my mind. So it seems scary to barely give yourself a month but its better in my opinion.

Time management will go a long way when you're on the floor. Unfortunately everyone has to learn their on their own what their style is.

Don't ever be afraid to ask questions to an experienced nurse. I would always say this night be a dumb question but I don't care. You will be amazed by how much you can learn from them, but choose a good experienced nurse, some really don't like to socialize haha. Never stop asking questions though.

Don't worry abt what Doctors think of you, if u are consulting about your patient. Some don't like to admit that you're right but then later will go with your advice. But of course approach the question in a very humane and non threatening way even if it means you have to act like you're letting him make the decision

Always do research about your unit you are applying to. During the interview process it's good to let them know what u know abt the unit and what the hospital as a whole stands for (ex mission statement etc)

That's all I can think of right now :)

slegarreta · Feb 21, 2013

I graduated in 2012, I will tell you what helped me.
Know a nurse who can put in a good word for you on her unit to get a fast hire. Otherwise so many other applications get unnoticed.
I took my nclex in June so all of my information would be fresh in my mind. So it seems scary to barely give yourself a month but its better in my opinion.
Time management will go a long way when you're on the floor. Unfortunately everyone has to learn their on their own what their style is.
Don't ever be afraid to ask questions to an experienced nurse. I would always say this night be a dumb question but I don't care. You will be amazed by how much you can learn from them, but choose a good experienced nurse, some really don't like to socialize haha. Never stop asking questions though.
Don't worry abt what Doctors think of you, if u are consulting about your patient. Some don't like to admit that you're right but then later will go with your advice. But of course approach the question in a very humane and non threatening way even if it means you have to act like you're letting him make the decision
Always do research about your unit you are applying to. During the interview process it's good to let them know what u know abt the unit and what the hospital as a whole stands for (ex mission statement etc)
That's all I can think of right now :)

Thank you so much for all your suggestions. I'm glad I asked :)