What are the huge "DO NOT EVER DO" things that new nurses need to know about? calling

[katiebugg]

I am graduating in a few days, and off to be a new registered nurse. I would love to hear from experienced nurses about the "BIG" things that they need to remember or the things they try to avoid. Medication tips, or how to deal with patients...anything would be helpful, and thank you !!

[paganoid]

Hello, it seems you are not getting enough of the 'do not ever do' things that I think you are seeking such as the push K+ advice.

8. do not give blood thinning injections into the abdomen of patients following abdominal surgery, use arm/leg instead for your subcut site.

9. do NOT feed patients post op following major abdominal surgery. The doctor will order when he is ready for their stomach to tackle food and it will usually start with ice then water then clear fluids then free fluids then a light diet then normal diet. Sound obvious? One of our hemicolectomy patients went to CCU post op (this was planned) and he was fed a steak and vegie meal within hours of his return. He actually had four big meals before the doctor saw it and put a stop to it.

cheers,

Jo

I just wanted to re-emphasize these two. Both bear repeating.

paganoid

[PMFB-RN, RN]

RRT can be your best friends, esp in ICU - :bowingpur

*** I work in the SICU of a large, Magnet teaching hospitals and it is our nurses who make up the RRT. There is also an experienced RT and the nursing sup. We would never call an RRT in our unit as we ARE the RRT. Who is on your RRT?