What is your most valuable piece of advice?

Nurses General Nursing

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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!

Specializes in Community Health Nurse.
Originally posted by bandaidexpert

All good advice....

Lord, grant that I may not criticize my neighbor until I have walked a mile in his moccasins:) :)

GREAT QUOTE! LOTS OF TRUTH! SHOULD BE PRACTICED MORE TODAY! :)

My most valuable piece of advice is: DON'T RAIN ON MY PARADE! :p :chuckle :kiss

Specializes in ED staff.

Don't forget to ask if your patient has any questions.

(((((hugs to all))))))

i don't know if you guys know how valuable your advice is to newbies like us.

It is much appreciated!

:kiss

Specializes in Med-Surg Nursing.

My biggest piece of advice to newbies! CYA--Cover Your A$$ when charting. Document everything because if you don't then it will surely come back to haunt you.

Always smile! Even if you don't feel like it, try it and it'll make you feel better. This is a proven fact! Smiling helps to release endorphins! :):):)

All I can say is never take what your co-workers say personally. If they say anything rude, obnoxious, callus, or mean to you - NEVER TAKE IT PERSONALLY...

When you are thinking about what they said you loss sight of your pts... and hurting yourself...

Specializes in Med-Surg Nursing.

But sometimes, they DO mean for you to take it personally. No matter what you do, some people are just a$$holes!

Specializes in ER, ICU, L&D, OR.

Howdy Yall

from deep in the heart of texas

1> close mouth, open eyes and ears, engage mind. Everything will work better

2> Always look at your patient first before you look at your monitors. The patient will tell you much more.

3> separate home and work. Dont bring problems to work, you have enough to deal with there. Dont take work home, your family needs you not your work problems

4> GOLF ALOT

5> PLAY EVEN MORE GOLF

Everyday: My orientee and I have a mantra

Stay calm

Jenny P should share her story of staying calm, it is a hoot.

Specializes in Community Health Nurse.

My most awesome piece of advice???? Hmmmmmmmmm.....:idea:

STAY SINGLE...YOU'LL LIVE LONGER :rotfl:

COVER THY REAR END!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;)

Never ever volunteer!

There is no such thing as a stupid question.

Always do charting/paperwork when you have downtime. If you leave it for later, it's not gonna get done.

Say to yourself "Is this worth getting upset about?" often.

If you are driving home and grinding your teeth, remind yourself that you have done the best job you could possibly have done.

Allow yourself to make mistakes. This is okay as long as you learn from them.

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