Advice to the Younger Nurse Me

Thank you so much for this! I have not started my classes yet, but I'm already a bit afraid of what will be headed my way. This will help guide me as to what to expect on the floor!
Love love love!!!
This is excellent advice! Wish I had an older me giving my younger self this advice when I was a new nurse many moons ago. Trust me newbies, this is Good Stuff!
May I add something to the list? I'd also like to add, cry, sometimes, it gets SO overwhelming it just feels good to cry, it is a good release. Don't ever allow another nurse to say, "Don't cry." It might make others uncomfortable but I tell you what, It always makes me feel better. Also, the pharmacist can be a very good resource, call them if you have questions regarding a med. If you think, I don't think I should give this, call the doctor, you can and you will question orders, it's okay. I've had many a doctor thank me for "catching" a potential mistake. ALWAYS check your lab values, doctors don't always see them, and if your patient is acting goofy, it might be hypoxia, don't always assume they have dementia. Your post is wonderful advice.
Thank you for posting this!! It is an awesome list! I graduate in December with my BSN. I'm starting to feel the anxiety and panic already. I'm going to save your thread so I can come back
Thank you for sharing, this is very helpful advice!
Thank you. As a new nurse, I need reassurance sometimes that I'm not alone in feeling overwhelmed, especially when things aren't going well, even if I'm not at fault
Everything bar you having a pee can be delegated / ask someone else for assistance. The 5 min it takes to pee will make you work much better if you are anything like me..........If I hold I loose swiftness and clarity! Take those 5 min.Eat. Prep food at home and bring it in. relying on the canteen is dangerous for your waist line! If everything is going pear shaped with a pt take a mental step back and check ABC.
Breathe. So many times I had forgotten to / didn't take a break because I thought I was too busy. Taking that few minutes to eat something small or even just drink a glass of water helps so much. Your task will be there when you get back. That admit paperwork/ charting isn't going anywhere. I know I feel better if I can eat a small snack or drink something. Definitely take something to eat with you. Too hard to depend on the cafe/fast food place/ ordering something/etc.Definitely chart as you go. I had a preceptor try to make me chart like her and do it all at once, but I couldn't do it. I have seen day nurses who wait till the end to chart and are there forever after their shift. This list was great. The one thing to remember is you CAN'T possibly do everything. Somethings have to be left. We are a 24/7/365 operation.
Great post! As a new nurse, I found all of your points on the list helpful! Thanks
Love it!
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