New Nurse Proverbs.

1 As I start my first nursing job in a level one Tri state trauma center, I find myself valuing the wisdom and guidance of elder nurses.

Please impart words of wisdom and guidance here. Bless myself and other intimidated new nurses with a nursing proverb.

I'll start with one that was given to me by a senior staff member: "be glad you're starting trauma in the winter so you can learn as much as possible before people get trigger happy in the summer."
Well, there's always the Shepard's prayer. Alan Shepard that is. I've used it for years under many different circumstances.

Alan Shepard's prayer, Lol! You always have time to stop and think before you act; and, You can only do ONE thing at a time, figure out what the most important thing is and do it, ALL day long! I wish you the best!

This, too, shall pass

Never ever turn around on a slow shift and comment on how quiet it all is.

if you ever have to pull two vials/syringes out of the Pyxis for one dose, stop and double check.

Never trust a mitral valve with a good tan. No matter what he says, it means he's been too sick to do anything else but lie around in the sun. (Shumway's Law of Physical Examination in Cardiac Surgery)

"When in doubt, err on the safe side".

In error

When I feel like the shift can't possibly get busier and the patients can't possibly get more critical I always remember a phrase my brother taught me from his experience being deployed in the middle east "Be still my heart, it could always be worse!" Good luck!

When in doubt, ASK!

Congrats!I've heard this one before: "Don't ASSUME, it makes an A** out of U and ME"Assuming can get you in trouble.

Quote from LennonninjaWhen in doubt, ASK!