The best advice for any nurse just starting out checks, check and re-check. Until you have become comfortable in your position, take your time and double check the things you do. Some facilities offer new nurses a buddy system that enables nurses to check one another’s work. If you are unsure of something, take a moment and consult with your supervisor.
If you have not been told to hide your emotions, you will at some point. This can be pretty hard to do at times. You become fond of your patients, and of course, you are sympathetic toward family members. There is one trick that may help you to avoid shedding tears, holding your head straight, aim your eyes upward toward the ceiling. This should close tear ducts and prevent unwanted crying for the moment. You can excuse yourself and take a short break if needed.
Boundaries are a huge issue with most medical facilities. Patients can develop at the attachment to a nurse or care provider, it is not that uncommon. In such cases, this falls to the nurse to ensure the boundary line of nurse/friend is not crossed. Sharing too much personal information with a patient may seem like an open invitation into your life. Sharing generic information is usually fine, however, avoid details of too much personal information, you are the nurse and not their friend.
The document, even if it's something you are not required to do, if an unusual event occurs, document the details. A fairly new nurse was working a PRN position and an incident happened with a patient she was working with. She had reservations about not documenting the incident; however, a co-worker assured her it was not necessary. 5 months later, said nurse received a summons to appear in court, over this particular incident. She could not recall every detail, and the attorney for the hospital gave a lengthy lecture of documenting unusual incidents, she learned a valuable lesson. Most hospitals have an incident form, or something similar to record anything that is out of the normal. While it may seem unnecessary at the time, this can be very valuable information should any issues arise.
What ever you do, when you begin to go shopping for your new uniform/scrubs, don’t select cute over practical. In most cases, you can choose cute and practical, but if that is not an option, do yourself a huge favor and opt for practical. Be sure the uniform is comfortable, not too tight, and not too loose. Make sure there are plenty of pockets, the more the better; you will find them very handy when working. Be sure if the pants are too long, hem them prior to wearing them, the last thing you need is to fall when running to a patient’s room. Make sure when you purchase shoes that you select a shoe with very good arch support. This is one time that saving money should not be a consideration. Consider getting a professional fitting for the shoes, and be sure it's something you can tolerate wearing for 12 hours at a time. Purchase comfortable socks, there is nothing more uncomfortable than wearing socks that have bunched up, causing pain with every step. Splurge a little on the uniforms and shoes, they will last longer and wash/dry better in addition to being more comfortable to work in.
Before starting a new position, ask your new coworkers for any tips on supplies you will need. In most cases, pens, a notepad, and a mini flashlight is something you will find very helpful, especially if working the night shift.
The most important advice most nurses will offer is, expect the unexpected. Never say, “It’s a slow night”, it’s almost a given that things can change quickly, and very likely will.
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