What specific things are expected to be known by a new RN?

Neuro Guy NP, DNP, PhD, APRN · Mar 12, 2011

The new RN probably does not have much experience doing patient care, but should know everything they learned in school, as all that information is pertinent. That would include knowing how to assess a patient from head to toe (like a full physical exam), should know how to describe her findings related to each organ system (Cardio - the diff. types of heart sounds and rhythms; the diff. breath sounds, etc.).

The new RN should also be very familiar with medical terminology, know how to do IVs, Foleys, access central lines, know when to call the MD for an order to take a specific action, understand when a patient is having an adverse reaction to a medication (such as rash, altered mental status, or for example, if administering blood, if the patient feels nauseous, etc.).

He/she should also know potential side effects of medications. The new RN should be able to teach patients about the meds and necessary lifestyle changes. Basically, the things a new RN needs to know are numerous. Remember that despite new, he/she will still have full responsibility of his/her patients just the same as the RN who has been one for 35 years.

Granted, being new, doubtless there will be many questions, so the #1 rule for the new RN that is more important THAN ANY OTHER RULE POSSIBLE, is to know when to ask a question. There is no need to be afraid that you will look stupid, because I would rather look like the world's biggest village idiot that to continue to be unsure and place my patients at risk.

I really hope you will benefit from my response.

JE

Schmoo1022 · Mar 12, 2011

I disagree with some of the above post. Sorry! In nursing school, you learn a lot, but you may only do a few hands on foleys, IV starts and you may never access a central line in nursing school.

What you NEED to know is the rights for giving medications and KNOW when to ask for help.

Much of the hands on stuff is learned by doing on the floor. You should be assessing you patients and starting to put what you learned in school and see how it pertains to your patient.

That big picture takes time. There is so much to learn at each hospital/nursing home. Everyone has their own policies, but if you learn to do a good assessment, know when something is wrong and know what to do about it, that's when it all comes together! :)

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN · Mar 13, 2011

Generally, I'd say what you were taught in school...

nurse2033, MSN, RN · Mar 13, 2011

There's about a thousand things to know. It's like asking "how do you fly an airplane"?

steelydanfan · Mar 13, 2011

I'm trying to help a friend oh boy i'm an inquiring monkey today. thnx

If your friend wants to know specifics, she needs to post her question herself. This question is way too broad to warrant a simple answer.

heelhook80 · Mar 13, 2011

Nothing in particular but everything in general