Nurses -- I just graduated as an RN and start my first day on the unit tomorrow. Any words of advice??

By ';tomorrow'; I mean Friday, 8/3/07. However, I would still love for anyone to answer after tomorrow as well. :o)


I am starting on a Med/Surg unit (general surgery - night shift). I did a round of clinicals in school on the same unit where I will be working, but I am still very nervous! My clinicals were during the day so I won't recognize any of the nurses.


**If you have any suggestions/advice, or words of encouragement, I would love to hear it!


**What can I expect?


I will have a preceptor at first, but I am still feeling overwhelmed at the thought of so much responsibility, talking to the doctors (especially if I have to call them for something overnight! eek!), and taking verbal orders. I was the girl within my clinical group that wasn't afraid to admit that I felt unsure of myself, and if possible, always preferred to have a nurse with me when I was starting IVs, doing procedures, etc. I know confidence is important, so I guess I will have to fake it in the meantime!?Nurses -- I just graduated as an RN and start my first day on the unit tomorrow. Any words of advice??
It can be alittle daunting to be sure when you are new. I myself am starting a new specialty and also am alittle unsure of waters. Most of my background is med/surg/ortho/neuro/oncology/hospice. Now I am starting cardiac and plasty.





But with a strong med/surg background I believe I may suggest that you ask plenty of questions no matter how stupid you might think that they are. If there is one thing I remember from my early post grad years it's seasoned nurses complaining that the new grads try to come across as not appearing igorant so they don't say anything when they are genuinely finding their way. They fear being labled so they stay quiet and nod their heads alot. Hopefully you will ask alot of questions.





Check on your patients as often as you need to, especially if they have questionable vitals, pain issues, confusion or post op parameters. Don't wait for your patients to ask for pain meds, especially if they have just had surgery. Your preceptor will help you.





If you need to call a physician during the night have the following ready: The M.A.R., the chart, most recent vitals and lung sounds, urine output and what is running in the IV. Have the history page opened in case the doc doesn't know them. If he starts to rattle off orders, tell him to slow down if you need time to jot down what he says and READ IT BACK TO HIM. Document that you read it back to him.





Document, document document. If you make a mistake, or if you make a med error, bring it to your preceptors' attention immediately, calmly and seek guidance. If you aren't comfortable with the outcome, speak with the Lead or Chg RN.





THANK your preceptor for being willing to work with you. It isn't easy to have a patient load and try to teach.





I LOVE NEW NURSES! It means more help, and less working extra! God bless you, Hon.Nurses -- I just graduated as an RN and start my first day on the unit tomorrow. Any words of advice??
I had a nurse tell me once that ';Nurses will eat their young'; Just remember - some nurses think you will have to pay your dues just like they did - others will try to make it as easy as they can for you. Biggest thing to remember - don't be afraid to ask for help or the other nurse's opinions. As for talking to the docs - they are people to - try not to let them intimidate you. Most of the ones you will have to call during the night are the ones on call so they expect to get calls but make sure you have the information they are going to need at hand. And as far a verbal order - make sure you repeat the order back to them to make sure you have it correct! You will do great!
My advice: keep a sense of humor. What you do is serious, but not without funny aspects. Also, go easy on yourself.
Congratulations and welcome to Nursing!


As a new grad you are a ';sponge';...you've been given the ';basics';, but now it is up to you to soak up all of the knowledge and skills that your colleagues (esp. your preceptor) have. Do not sway, do not be intimidated by more experienced nurses. They may actually be intimidated by you as you have just graduated and possess more up to date knowledge about the nursing process than they do. As a matter of fact, most of your senior peers have not opened a professional journal or book since graduation umpteen years ago. So, keep current..read professional journals, go online and do ceu's, attend conferences.


BTW, if you are calling a doctor in the middle of the night, then you must have a good reason to be doing so...just remember...DON'T EVER APOLOGIZE FOR CALLING A DOCTOR, that immediately invalidates the call. Just say hello and identify yourself and the patient and the problem. He if or she yells or is disrespectful, just stick to what is best for the patient and get the nursing supervisor on nights involved to support you.


If you always do what's best for the patient..there isn't a soul on Earth who can criticize your practice.


Best of luck.