Your advice for a new RN Intern

Hello everyone! For you well seasoned RNs, those who are preceptors, and those who have been through the intern/residency process - what would your advice be for someone who is about to begin their internship?
Any advice is appreciated

Thank you in advance!
Ok without knowing the type of internship, some general advise to a newbie...be open to constructive advise of your preceptors, just because someone is telling you that you have done something incorrect doesn't mean they are a bully, or eating young ect...just because school is over that doesn't mean you get to stop studying, you will make mistakes, learn from them!, at first you will be slow, and feel like you don't know what the heck you are doing, don't worry you are and you don't! But every one of us has had those exact feelings, it will come in time. do the work. be proactive, and helpful, even if its not your pt, help. answer a light, ect. well good luck, these are just a few ideas. you'll be fine.

I keep hearing about these nurse residencies and I have to admit I have no idea what they are or what the purpose of it is. But in addition to what Mike said above, make sure and discuss with your preceptor(s) what your learning style is and try to tailor the training to your style. If you don't mesh with a particular preceptor, speak with your nurse manager and talk about switching preceptors. This is your orientation and you need to get the most out of it that you can. The thing about being new is that you don't know what you don't know. After you have spent some time being a nurse you will look back and be surprised at how much you have learned. Be open to any and every learning opportunity. Don't get involved in any gossip. Help others and be a team player. Most importantly, ASK QUESTIONS! You should have alot of questions at this time, don't be hesitant to ask if you're unsure of something; you don't want to jeopardize your patient's health care in any way. In the military they say that you have 2 ears, 2 eyes, and 1 mouth for a reason; look and listen twice as much as you speak, especially while you are new, but don't hesitate to ask questions. There is alot to learn, so keep a little notebook with you at all times and jot down things that you are learning and things you need to research further.

Quote from sslamsterI keep hearing about these nurse residencies and I have to admit I have no idea what they are or what the purpose of it is. But in addition to what Mike said above, make sure and discuss with your preceptor(s) what your learning style is and try to tailor the training to your style. If you don't mesh with a particular preceptor, speak with your nurse manager and talk about switching preceptors. This is your orientation and you need to get the most out of it that you can. The thing about being new is that you don't know what you don't know. After you have spent some time being a nurse you will look back and be surprised at how much you have learned. Be open to any and every learning opportunity. Don't get involved in any gossip. Help others and be a team player. Most importantly, ASK QUESTIONS! You should have alot of questions at this time, don't be hesitant to ask if you're unsure of something; you don't want to jeopardize your patient's health care in any way. In the military they say that you have 2 ears, 2 eyes, and 1 mouth for a reason; look and listen twice as much as you speak, especially while you are new, but don't hesitate to ask questions. There is alot to learn, so keep a little notebook with you at all times and jot down things that you are learning and things you need to research further.

Excuse the grammar on that I'm on my phone haha! Thank you for the advice though

"Nursing" after nursing school has a steep learning curve. Expect it to be one of the more difficult things you'll do in your life -- like an adventure. "Frame" the experience as an adventure, complete with the unexpected, unanticipated, with so many opportunities you'll barely catch half of them.Be a conscious self-described novice. Celebrate all the empty places in your head just waiting to be filled with all the new stuff you're gonna learn. Put a positive spin on being a newbie. Think of a young dog going to the beach for the first time -- it can be that kind of exciting. As for NETY, all you have to do is realize there are 'difficult' people wherever you work, wherever you go. They are no more important or worthy of your attention than the very gracious old battle axe who has time for every question. De-focus from the difficult people. Nurses are no worse or better than any other profession that takes in newbies.From the git go, assume ALL feedback, no matter the quality or quantity, positive or negative is to be taken seriously. As a novice, you don't really 'judge', if that makes sense. EVERY little thing is new to you -- take that attitude, and that you are determined to learn as much as you can cram in there. Say you do end up with a cranky nurse who prefers not to precept -- she or he will have a soft spot, so find it. She or he will need help with their work and even if you can't help, you can ask if you can. Usually irritability new nurses feel is exhaustion or overwhelm on behalf of the experienced nurse. The thing about being 'new' is you are wide open for information. There isn't enough of 'you' in that newness to get defensive over.Your ancillary staff -- CNAs, RT, unit clerk, housekeeping -- you really cannot do your job as a nurse without them. That's how important they are to you. You need them. I've seen and experienced having my butt saved by a housekeeper or CNA. I've had my butt saved by a unit clerk. Each positive and friendly interaction with them is MONEY IN THE BANK. Each person has a very important job to do for the good of the whole -- not just nursing. And you fit in there the same way, you fulfill a necessary role among many roles. You may need some of these folk to go up to bat for you. Anyone you talk to on the phone is a potential ally.I've seen too many nurses who begin with an antagonistic attitude toward 'lower' employees, especially clerks, transportation, housekeeping, pharmacy techs and aides. And then when they really need a 'favor', they're on their own. I've had meds hand carried to me by pharmacy techs, beds delivered, items restocked -- the folks really went out of their way when I 'called in' a big favor. And I'd do the same for them. The gals that did hospital scheduling -- they got the worst of the flack from nurses but DAM if we don't need them to do us a favor now and then! If they have you in mind as the nurse who snarks and complains or gets angry, well, you're on your own. Communication, people skills, the 'relationships' you build -- you can't learn this in school, and it is as important as your sterile technique and charting. This is long term experience speaking here and learning it the hard way.

If at all possible, put your personal life on hold. Treat it like a new md treats their internship. And free time is dedicated to your own self care. You'll be more intact after 6 mos.