You have probably heard many times that nursing can be a very rewarding career choice. However, now that you finally have your degree and are out in the trenches now, you may be wondering if anyone has any tips or pointers to help you out. Well, here are the best tips for new nurses.
First off, don't be afraid to ask questions. People are constantly learning, no matter what their profession is. In this case, if you don't know how to do something, or aren't sure where something is or goes, ask. Most of the RNs that have worked there for a while will not only be flattered because you asked, but will have no problem helping. However, if you are going to ask an experienced nurse a question, be very specific.
As stated before, you are always learning, so watch those who have more experience than you do. This can help you learn the tricks and trade of the hospital or clinic. Or, if there is a certain procedure that you are unsure of or are having trouble with, ask if you can shadow or watch a veteran. More than likely they won't mind, as long as you don't get in the way.
If you are working night shifts, you may want to change some of your personal habits. Don't eat large meals when your shift is over, instead eat small healthy meals throughout the day so your body can focus on sleeping, not digesting. You will also want to limit your caffeine intake; 2 cups of coffee are considered to be enough. If you aren't on a day to night rotation and constantly have night shifts, try to keep your sleep-wake schedule as consistent as possible.
Try to stay calm while on the job. More than likely you will be in a situation that may seem overwhelming, stressful, or even confusing. Whatever you do, try to stay as calm as possible. When you panic, things will not make as much sense and it will make it harder for you to take care of the situation at hand. If you feel as though something is above what you have learned, or something you had never learned about, go ask for help. There is nothing wrong with asking for help. But, no matter what, try and keep a calm and stable attitude about the situation at hand.
Learn how to keep your priorities straight. This means that is you have a patient who is in desperate need of pain medication, you should probably tend to them first before the patient who has a scrape. Of course, priorities will change depending on the situation; the person that needed the pain medication may only need it for a head ache, but the other person may have a severely infected scrape. You will need to also learn how to read the different situations that you may be presented on a day to day basis.
First off, don't be afraid to ask questions. People are constantly learning, no matter what their profession is. In this case, if you don't know how to do something, or aren't sure where something is or goes, ask. Most of the RNs that have worked there for a while will not only be flattered because you asked, but will have no problem helping. However, if you are going to ask an experienced nurse a question, be very specific.
As stated before, you are always learning, so watch those who have more experience than you do. This can help you learn the tricks and trade of the hospital or clinic. Or, if there is a certain procedure that you are unsure of or are having trouble with, ask if you can shadow or watch a veteran. More than likely they won't mind, as long as you don't get in the way.
If you are working night shifts, you may want to change some of your personal habits. Don't eat large meals when your shift is over, instead eat small healthy meals throughout the day so your body can focus on sleeping, not digesting. You will also want to limit your caffeine intake; 2 cups of coffee are considered to be enough. If you aren't on a day to night rotation and constantly have night shifts, try to keep your sleep-wake schedule as consistent as possible.
Try to stay calm while on the job. More than likely you will be in a situation that may seem overwhelming, stressful, or even confusing. Whatever you do, try to stay as calm as possible. When you panic, things will not make as much sense and it will make it harder for you to take care of the situation at hand. If you feel as though something is above what you have learned, or something you had never learned about, go ask for help. There is nothing wrong with asking for help. But, no matter what, try and keep a calm and stable attitude about the situation at hand.
Learn how to keep your priorities straight. This means that is you have a patient who is in desperate need of pain medication, you should probably tend to them first before the patient who has a scrape. Of course, priorities will change depending on the situation; the person that needed the pain medication may only need it for a head ache, but the other person may have a severely infected scrape. You will need to also learn how to read the different situations that you may be presented on a day to day basis.
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