Congratulations on graduating from nursing school and getting your nursing license! Now that you’re a full-fledged Registered Nurse, you’re probably excited to put on your scrubs and put everything you’ve learned at school to work. In this article, we’ve rounded up seven essential new nurse tips to help prepare you for the challenges associated with the nursing profession.
If you’re kicking off the new year on the hospital floor as a new nurse, we hope that these tips can help you gain the necessary skills and mindset to survive and thrive as a new nurse.
Starting a nursing career strong: Ten helpful tips for new RNs
1. Don’t be shy to ask questions
You’re new — and all new employees at any organization will have questions, ranging from how things are done or where things are. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, especially when patient care is on the line. Rather than making an uninformed decision, it’s always better to ask and clarify.
Whenever possible, frame your question in a way that shows that you’re thinking critically and figuring things out on your own, but you’d like to confirm with your preceptor or colleagues that you’re on the right track.
2. Take notes
It’s a good idea to bring a small notebook and pen wherever you go to take notes. Jot down the details that are hard to remember so you have something to review and reference later on. This will also keep you from asking the same question over and over.
3. Document everything
Documentation is a vital part of your work as a nurse, so make sure that you do it clearly, accurately, and promptly. Make sure that your documentation only includes facts and not your opinions. You should ensure that your documentation is legible, complete, and uses standard terminology. As a rule, only document the things you’ve done.
4. Always prioritize patient safety
Most times, work days will be hectic and fast-paced, but when it comes to delivering patient care and communicating with patients, it’s important to exercise patience and decelerate. Slowing down will allow you to conduct full assessments and have enough time to observe and connect with patients. When administering medication to patients, don’t rush and keep the seven rights of medication in mind.
You can also put patient safety first by understanding and following patient safety protocols and infection control policies.
5. Set professional boundaries
While it’s important to always be respectful and cordial with colleagues and patients alike, it’s equally crucial to communicate your professional boundaries, including your limitations, needs, and availability.
Over time, you’ll have a better grasp of your capacity, and you’ll know when and what to say no to. As much as possible, don’t make it a habit to respond to work texts and emails after work hours or when you’re on PTO. By setting and enforcing your professional boundaries, you can effectively reduce your work-related stress levels.
6. Take breaks
Taking breaks is not only vital to reduce stress and burnout, but it also improves efficiency and decision-making skills at work. According to the CDC, taking breaks every two hours reduces on-the-job injuries and errors. So, make sure you have time reserved in your shift for resting, stretching, catching up with work friends, hydrating, and eating healthy snacks. Void your bladder whenever you need to, and don’t hold it in as much as possible, as this could lead to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
7. Be a good team player
Always support your colleagues and help them out whenever you’re able to. This fosters camaraderie, creates a supportive work environment, and allows you to expand your knowledge and work skills.
Being a supportive co-worker will expose you to how different people work. By working with others, you’ll see firsthand how they approach certain tasks and situations. You can learn about how experienced nurses, LPNs, and CNAs communicate with patients, do procedures, talk with residents, and do their charts, and you can use your observations to formulate your own approach.
New and experienced RNs get top-notch support at Oculus Health
At Oculus Health, our hardworking and friendly recruiters support nurses at every level of their nursing career, allowing them to find rewarding and fulfilling job opportunities. Learn more about us here and explore our job openings here.
