4 answers
Cheyenne
Student
Decatur, Illinois
3
Questions
Asked
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What is some advice for new nurses?
I was wondering what would some advice that experienced RN/CNA/LPN have for new nurses entering the workforce in post covid life.
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4 answers
Liz Anderson RN, BSN, PHN
Find what you LOVE!
33
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Liz’s Answer
Hello for ‘New Nurses’ I would suggest the following:
-believe in yourself
-everyone has felt the same way before you
-find a co worker that matches your personality, and ask to be mentored
-Always ask questions
-When you hear that little voice in your head “wait is this right”, STOP, and ASK for clarification/or research further prior to proceeding.
-Get Involved
-
3 big things to remember:
1.) Safety
2.) Environment
3.) Patient Care
Hope this helps :) and Congratulations on your new adventure, it is a wild ride, but well worth it!!!!!
Stay SAFE
LA ( Liz Anderson)
-believe in yourself
-everyone has felt the same way before you
-find a co worker that matches your personality, and ask to be mentored
-Always ask questions
-When you hear that little voice in your head “wait is this right”, STOP, and ASK for clarification/or research further prior to proceeding.
-Get Involved
-
3 big things to remember:
1.) Safety
2.) Environment
3.) Patient Care
Hope this helps :) and Congratulations on your new adventure, it is a wild ride, but well worth it!!!!!
Stay SAFE
LA ( Liz Anderson)
Mo Smith
ICU Registered Nurse
3
Answers
Updated
Mo’s Answer
1. Work in a specialty that will either get you to where you want to go in the quickest way or work in a specialty that you're interested in. Ex: if you want to go to CRNA school, get an ICU job right out of school. Don't listen to people that say you have to start in med surg first or that you won't be able to get a job in a specialty right out of school. That's false. I started in the ICU as a new grad and I know people that have started in other specialized areas such as the Operating Room as new grads.
2. Patient safety over EVERYTHING and don't do anything without an order or something that is out of your scope of practice. No one is going to look out for your license except for you.
3. Don't be one of those nurses that takes pride in the fact that they don't eat or pee all shift because they're "so busy". Please use the restroom and make sure you're staying hydrated and taking a lunch break. Some shifts are very busy of course, but remember nursing is a 24/7 job and a team effort. Ask your charge or resource nurse to help you out or ask them to watch your patients so you can get something to eat.
4. Ask a ton of questions and spend a few minutes studying on your off days so you can learn in a controlled environment.
2. Patient safety over EVERYTHING and don't do anything without an order or something that is out of your scope of practice. No one is going to look out for your license except for you.
3. Don't be one of those nurses that takes pride in the fact that they don't eat or pee all shift because they're "so busy". Please use the restroom and make sure you're staying hydrated and taking a lunch break. Some shifts are very busy of course, but remember nursing is a 24/7 job and a team effort. Ask your charge or resource nurse to help you out or ask them to watch your patients so you can get something to eat.
4. Ask a ton of questions and spend a few minutes studying on your off days so you can learn in a controlled environment.
Sadaf Khan
Registered Nurse
1
Answer
Roswell, Georgia
Updated
Sadaf’s Answer
Sometime, new RNs work overtime to make extra money. I found the ones who did.. burned out way faster and even leading to some becoming resentful. Nursing is a very challenging field and it is so essential you take care of yourself. Sleeping well, eating well, exercising, having time for friends/family, and even open to mental health care(therapy) are all some ways to keep things balanced. Also, never ever relay completely on the machine… follow your gut ! Best of Luck!
Savannah T
Registered Nurse
10
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Savannah’s Answer
Hi there Cheyenne,
Starting my nursing career in the beginning of a pandemic was definitely not the easiest tasks that I have done. However, I have learned a lot about myself and the field of nursing in that time. It is extremely important to find a job that you are passionate about. It is not extremely easy to do sometimes, sometimes this means putting yourself out there! Write up a cover letter expressing your interests, print out resumes and hand them to your future employers in person, follow-up with emails or calls to ensure they know how much this position means to you! It will be well worth it to land a job in your desired interests because the work that you put in will be much more meaningful to you. You also really have to take care of yourself as a nurse. Find hobbies that you enjoy, find self-care habits (and do them). As a nurse it is easy to forget about yourself because you are constantly caring for others, but you cannot adequately care for others if you're not caring for yourself! Listen to your body and nurture it. In your first year it is understandable, in my opinion, to focus on nursing itself. You need time to master your skills. After your first year, it could be a good idea to exploring other interests on your unit and where you can get involved!
I hope this helps, and good luck on your future endeavors!
Starting my nursing career in the beginning of a pandemic was definitely not the easiest tasks that I have done. However, I have learned a lot about myself and the field of nursing in that time. It is extremely important to find a job that you are passionate about. It is not extremely easy to do sometimes, sometimes this means putting yourself out there! Write up a cover letter expressing your interests, print out resumes and hand them to your future employers in person, follow-up with emails or calls to ensure they know how much this position means to you! It will be well worth it to land a job in your desired interests because the work that you put in will be much more meaningful to you. You also really have to take care of yourself as a nurse. Find hobbies that you enjoy, find self-care habits (and do them). As a nurse it is easy to forget about yourself because you are constantly caring for others, but you cannot adequately care for others if you're not caring for yourself! Listen to your body and nurture it. In your first year it is understandable, in my opinion, to focus on nursing itself. You need time to master your skills. After your first year, it could be a good idea to exploring other interests on your unit and where you can get involved!
I hope this helps, and good luck on your future endeavors!