What are some things that you wish you would've known as a novice nurse?

CryssyD · Sep 21, 2015

Don't be afraid of doctors-they are only human. My baby brother is going to med school--believe me, that really helps change your perspective on doctors. They are all someone's son, brother, husband, daddy. You know--regular people.

Trust your instincts--your unconscious mind often sees things before "you" do: I will never forget the little girl who had just fallen asleep and wasn't yet hooked up to her pulse oximeter for the night (she was on a vent at night); I was busy getting blood and urine cultures from her roommate, who had a 104 degree temperature. I glanced over at her--hunched over, face down, diapered bottom in the air as always when she slept. The room was dim, and I couldn't see her color; I don't know what clued me in, but somehow she just didn't look right. The vent was puffing away, and, on the surface, all seemed well; but something just wasn't right. I went over and dropped the side rail, none too gently...and she didn't wake up. I grabbed hold of her...and she was as limp as a wet noodle. I yelled for help and the RT who ran in gave compressions while I bagged her trach. We got her back, thank God, and I think she's still doing OK. Whew! You never know what will clue you in to an impending disaster--but it's usually something in your sub-conscious. Trust that something-it's usually right.

My stepmother, who is also a nurse, told me that a nursing degree was just a ticket that allowed me to learn how to be a nurse. She was correct. You have only earned the right to learn how to be a nurse; this is where it really begins. Welcome to it--I think nursing is an awesome profession and nurses are awesome people. You are going to learn so much...about medicine, about nursing, about people, and about yourself. It's an amazing journey--enjoy the ride

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Sep 21, 2015

I believe our observational skills are the most important nursing skill.

After all, if we don't observe it, we can't make our nursing judgement and act on it.

Keep your eyes wide open. Every patient encounter.. look and listen. Is this new? Is this different?

My last code was when I had started my rounds with the newest patient. I did my assessment.. she SEEMED fine. I went to the next patient and completed her assessment. Force of habit, when I walk by a room I always take a glance. New patient now had a different color. Turns out, she was breathless and pulseless. ( that always leads to pallor :specs: ).

Best of luck in your career , it is a monumental challenge.

Stitch3296 · Sep 21, 2015

While I don't have been there, done that advice as I am also a new grad I do have advice that was given to me that has been helpful. Be patient with yourself, we are often very critical with ourselves and don't give ourselves enough credit or time to learn. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and help your co-workers where you can.

Also, at the end of the day I try and make time to reflect and write down where I had success, and where I had room for growth as well as any questions I may have for my preceptor.

ixchel · Sep 21, 2015

I wish I knew how hard it would be. I read here that it would be hard, but I didn't KNOW.

I wish someone in nursing school told me nursing school did not prepare me to be a nurse.

I wish I was prepared for the possibility of having a preceptor I did not like at all as a person. Our personalities clashed terribly, but I always was respectful and open minded to what I could learn from her. ALWAYS be respectful and open minded.

I wish new nurses were educated better on direct and concise communication. What sounds mean to you is not mean. It's not meant to be mean or demeaning. It's not bullying. It is direct and concise, a communication skill you yourself will learn to use and rely on in instances when you need to take charge and direct those around you.

I wish I knew which patients would leave me sad and hurting at the end of a shift. It certainly wasn't the ones I would have expected. Brace yourself - this will surprise you.

I wish nursing school didn't fill my head with ideas that I would be able to change so much more than I'm actually able to.

I'm sure that you already know this, but remember it: you can't save people from themselves. This will help you save time when you present patient education. Always teach people everything you can. For those who don't want to hear it, though, know when to stop.

I really wish I knew I was going to suck for my first year. I also wish I knew how deeply that would bother me.

Congratulations on your graduation, and good luck on surviving your first year of nursing!!

VANurse2010 · Sep 21, 2015

I wish I knew how hard it would be. I read here that it would be hard, but I didn't KNOW.
I wish someone in nursing school told me nursing school did not prepare me to be a nurse.
I wish I was prepared for the possibility of having a preceptor I did not like at all as a person. Our personalities clashed terribly, but I always was respectful and open minded to what I could learn from her. ALWAYS be respectful and open minded.
I wish new nurses were educated better on direct and concise communication. What sounds mean to you is not mean. It's not meant to be mean or demeaning. It's not bullying. It is direct and concise, a communication skill you yourself will learn to use and rely on in instances when you need to take charge and direct those around you.
I wish I knew which patients would leave me sad and hurting at the end of a shift. It certainly wasn't the ones I would have expected. Brace yourself - this will surprise you.
I wish nursing school didn't fill my head with ideas that I would be able to change so much more than I'm actually able to.
I'm sure that you already know this, but remember it: you can't save people from themselves. This will help you save time when you present patient education. Always teach people everything you can. For those who don't want to hear it, though, know when to stop.
I really wish I knew I was going to suck for my first year. I also wish I knew how deeply that would bother me.
Congratulations on your graduation, and good luck on surviving your first year of nursing!!

It's not meant to be mean and demeaning - except when it is.

pwNPstudent · Sep 22, 2015

I have been a RN for 23 years now. As a novice RN, I wish someone would have told me to learn how to be assertive but not overly assertive. Remember to be completely as professional as possible at all times, even if someone else has lost their mind. Just smile and say "bless your heart." If you feel you are being asked to do something that may threaten you license, DO NOT DO IT. But otherwise, getting into a battle with co-workers, doctors, or your boss will just turn out bad. Stay at a job for at least 3-4 years and then move on if you want but if you leave earlier than that, you will be seen as a RN who can't get along with people. I saw it as experience in many different field since nursing can take you in a thousand different places. But most of all remember that the board of nursing is not your friend and run run run from those nurses who "eat their young." Otherwise, assess your patient's, assess them again, and assess them again. Never chart what you did not do, only chart what you saw or did! You should be fine. This is a great profession but sad to say, you have to watch your back and cover your ass. Go back to school ASAP for a BSN and then when you are comfortable, I would say at least 10 maybe 15 years, go for your MSN. I suggest NP but whatever you like. Enjoy!! Go forth and do good things!!