I thought that this would be interesting. As we have new graduates beginning to orient in our respective units, do any of you have any fool-proof pieces of advice for them? If you could only give them 1 "rule" to always obey as a nurse, what would it be??
Actually, I have 2 that stand out in my mind.
#1- Always go with your gut feeling. Minor and major hunches alike. For example, if you have a hunch that you need to check on a patient, check their BP again, etc., then do it. I have had many instances in which I think of something that I need to do, for whatever reason don't do it, then end up wishing that I had.
#2- Always take at least one more wash-cloth than you think you're going to need!! (This also applies to other supplies as well).
C'mon. I know all of you guys can add to this list!
In OB, if the mother tells you the baby is coming and EVEN if you just checked her and that seems impossible, THE BABY IS COMING! Mother is usually right....
I don't care if the resident wants room air blood gases, if their sat is 83 % on 100% non-rebreather this patient will croak if you take the O2 off long enough to draw the ABG's.
Keep a roll of one in transpore tape in your pocket.
Keep saline and a couple of syringes in there too.
Always treat your co-workers the way you want to be treated. (even on their bad days, because you'll have bad days too)
Always...ALWAYS...trust your gut.
mother/babyRN, RN
3 Articles; 1,587 Posts
In OB, if the mother tells you the baby is coming and EVEN if you just checked her and that seems impossible, THE BABY IS COMING! Mother is usually right....