What ward is best to start with on placement?

[west37]

Hey guys

My first clinical placement is coming up in 3 wks and I ve learnt that I ve been assigned to the surgical ward. I'm just wondering whether it is the best place to start with (not that I have any choices, but wouldn't hurt to ask :) since I'm new to nursing. Some of my friends are put in ER and some in Peds. And if it is not too much trouble, can I get some advice as to what I am supposed to do prepare for the placement apart from the basic nursing skills. Thanks a million!

[StudentOfHealing]

The OR? or Post surgical? OR in my opinion is bit more advanced. Post Op floor is perfect to start out. I started out in a step down tele...!

But just out of curiosity why are y'all scattered?

For example we do Peds theory and peds clinical. ICU theory ICU clinical.

For example:

Mon Preclinic/Care plan day

Tues Medsrg clinical

Wed Medsrg theory

Thurs Medsrg theory

Fri Pharmacology

The above schedule continues for a semester.

[StudentOfHealing]

Advice: Make a brain sheet or utilize one of the many on AN (do a search). A brain is literally the nurses brain. Every nurse on a floor uses one. You need it! Brainsheets you write down info from report/meds/labs/emerging info/assessments/things to do.

I used to take a clipboard but I suggest AGAINST one. Clipboards may become security blankets.

Make sure you take a:

drug book

assessment book

steth

little note pad (like a waitress carries)

Blue black red pen (all in one or separate)

Breath mints/spray

Write down everything the RN says. They are not there to teach you. Its not their job... so when they take the time to teach and explain you better write write and listen... Don't act like you know things you don't or they will NOT trust you and word gets around... be honest... a sincere IDK is better than a dangerous outcome..

There's so much more but my phone is about to die... hope it helps. I'm a fellow nursing student (:

I'm sure other users will give ya awesome advice.

[west37]

I know right? Some of my friends are assigned to neuro and other places, I mean we haven't chosen our specialization yet! I think I got post-op~

[west37]

Thank you very very much :) Great advice! I do reckon the brain sheet is like THE life-saver!

[NICUmiiki, DNP, NP]

I think that at the hospital you are going to (like mine) is big enough to separate the med from the surg. You'll see a lot of general surgery patients. I would recommend learning about medications common to those types of patients like pain management (PCA pumps, dilaudid, morphine, tylenol), antihistamines, anticoagulants, and antibiotics.