Novice nurse no-nos

4 I have been posting on the first year nursing forum, but wanted some tips here to make the transition smoother. I am book smart and hands on stuff takes me a little more time to get than the book stuff, but once I get it. I get it. I just haven't "got it" all yet on the floor. The last week went much better, but I can see I am seriously under a microscope right now. I really want to do well. I am motivated to listen to what others have to say and I have a good attitude.

With that can you gals and guys give me your best do's and don'ts, both professional and personal preferences? Especially the crusty old nurses because I want to know what you folks are expecting from me? What is the best way to ask questions without being annoying? Best ways to be more independent without being unsafe? I hate being new. It's hard. Personal strengths of mine are persistence and I'm not a quitter. I just keep telling myself that every.single.day. Thanks for anyone that takes the time for tips and suggestions. I genuinely appreciate it.

Oh and any tips for dealing with nurse educators too.
Have you made mistakes, been spoken to, etc? Or is it a time management/lack of confidence thing?

The best way to ask questions is to not worry about being annoying Seriously though, if you don't know, ask. Much better to temporarily annoy someone (who shouldn't be getting annoyed, anyway) than to permanently hurt someone else.

I'm a new student but look up these things on my spare time too. Best advice, be quick, clear, and concise when telling your physicians and fellow nurses information they ask of you. No beating around the bush.

Quote from FarawynHave you made mistakes, been spoken to, etc? Or is it a time management/lack of confidence thing?

There is no such thing as a stupid question.

See this thread....http://allnurses.com/general-nursing...ve-988742.htmlLOLDon't do that.You are like me. I may not "get it" right away, but with time I will get it and get it well.Be honest about your faults, but don't beat yourself up to your educator and manager. Don't apologize profusely for being a challenging orientee. *My mistakes* (Among others)Express that you are willing to learn and ask for feedback daily. Have your preceptor tell you what you did well, what you didn't do so well, and what you should focus on improving for the next shift. Did you meet your goals?Keep in mind, that your preceptor is not your only resource. Seek out the educator, manager, other seasoned nurses etc. Be familiar with hospital policy and procedure. When you follow policy, there is no going wrong. Express you interest in reviewing hospital policy with your preceptor. Print out policies from the intranet and review them and ask any questions you have to your preceptor and educator.Be open to feedback, be honest, and don't be too hard on yourself. You should do fine

Quote from Lev <3Be familiar with hospital policy and procedure. When you follow policy, there is no going wrong. Express you interest in reviewing hospital policy with your preceptor. Print out policies from the intranet and review them and ask any questions you have to your preceptor and educator.

Use critical judgment, aka common sense. I always hear people say 'well that's not the way its done here' or 'Nurse X did it this way, so I must to'. Just because there is a rule or even a policy in place, critical thinking still must come first. For example, the policy says to run X drug so fast but your little 98yo's site might blow, you can slow it down. Or just because your bitter about doing bedside TOAs doesn't mean you can't tell sensitive information in the hall. Skills and assessments will come with time, critical thinking will grow with experience, but good judgment is often there, or not.

Quote from Daisy_08Use critical judgment, aka common sense. I always hear people say 'well that's not the way its done here' or 'Nurse X did it this way, so I must to'. Just because there is a rule or even a policy in place, critical thinking still must come first. For example, the policy says to run X drug so fast but your little 98yo's site might blow, you can slow it down. Or just because your bitter about doing bedside TOAs doesn't mean you can't tell sensitive information in the hall. Skills and assessments will come with time, critical thinking will grow with experience, but good judgment is often there, or not.

What does mean? I see this a lot, colons on either side of a word and I can't figure out what it means!