Happy Oncology Nurses Month - the following article is the sixth and last post for Journal Club this year. Oncology is a complex specialty that challenges both our intellect and our emotions. I am incredibly proud to be an oncology nurse, I hope your are too! Oncology Nurses - Inspiration and Dedication
Questions
No questions - but please read the following article given to me by Leslie Brady, APN, affectionately called "Miss Leslie" by her adoring patients. Quality of Life: Not Just for Patients. Leslie will be holding mini-holistic workshops focused on caring for you, the oncology nurse. Workshops will be free but will have limited seating - Clinical Ladder credit will be given to participants. More information will be forthcoming during Nurses' Week.
Discussion Questions
With many new nurses graduating this time of year, this month's discussion question
is - What Advice Would You Give to New Nurses? Please respond to the Journal Club blog site, if you choose to join the discussion group from the article please log off this site first.
Woohoo - we are done for the year! For those of you who participated in Journal Club for Clinical Ladder credit (all of you), please send your verification sheets inter-office mail to:
Melissa Luebbe c/o the Pain Management Department. I will also have an envelope for sheets in the Pain Management 3rd floor reception area.
It has been a great year for Journal Club, we now have over 100 participants! I hope you enjoyed being part of this on-line community, and that you may have learned a thing or two along the way. No articles this summer, we will resume Journal Club in September. If there are any topics or articles that you are passionate about, please let me know!
Melissa
melissa.luebbe@ctca-hope.com
What advice would I give to new nurses?
ReplyDeleteSince I'm a fairly new nurse myself, this is an easy one for me. I was so critical of myself as a new nurse and did a lot of beating myself up, but I was blessed with such an amazing and helpful team on my unit when I was learning and it made my first year as a nurse so much easier. My advice would be to ask questions no matter what. No question is stupid, especially when you have the lives of others in your hands. No one will be bothered by your questions, nor will they think you are asking something stupid. I still ask questions all the time. Also, believe in yourself. Your became a nurse for a reason. Trust your heart and intuition, and share your heart with others! I love being a nurse even when it's tough and stressful. We work together as a team whether we've been nurses for 2 years or 20 years.
Have a great summer everyone! Thank you Melissa for facilitating journal club for all of us!
This really was great wasn't it? I really enjoyed Journal club. It was great getting to know all of you on this personal bassis. I love your advice to believe in yourself. I was a confident new nurse, btut quickly realized how much I didn't know. I learn something new to this day everyday.
Deletei agree with stephanie , you have to believe in your self . it takes a lot to be a nurse , you have to be emotionally and physically ready to be do the job , not everybody can be a nurse and if you are one be proud of your self.
DeleteAwesome advice Steph! I couldn't do what I do without my team! Thank you for helping me when I don't remember chemo regimens!
DeleteYes Stephanie!!! I am glad we are all on the same team together! No matter how stressful or hard our day becomes, it's always refreshing to know you are a part of a team and new nurses or any nurse for that matter should never feel alone!
DeleteWow! What a wise new nurse. Years ago, we didn't have the same support we have now. You will benefit as a nurse for years to come, due to this wonderful support system.
DeleteAnd thank you Stephanie - it has been a great year for journal club due to the outstanding participation from our nurse members!
DeleteI so agree with Stephanie- No question is a stupid question! No one expects you to know everything as a new nurse (or an old nurse either!) A safe practitioner feels no problem in looking at references and having a well established evidence based practice.
ReplyDeleteI would really stress the role of nurse as a patient advocate and good listener. Truely be present and available in interactions with patients and fellow providers.
Great advice Jessica. As we move forward with technology we are often nose deep in a telephone, tablet or even our computer charting system. Being present is a great quality in a co-worker.
DeleteOh the exciting, terrifying, happy, scary and new world of being a new grad RN. The memories are flooding back to me. I had a horrible experience of being hired on by a hospice company that was using new RNs and training us inappropriately to assist them Medicare fraud. The first bit of advice I would give a new grad, is by every means necessary for your first job, go work at a reputable hospital. I graduated at the height of the recession December 2009. I worked as a PCT at a local hospital and they placed a hiring freeze on new nurses. After several months of working as a PCT with a RN license I got frustrated and took a job without doing much research into the company. I finished in March, over a three year long investigation, cooperating with the FBI in federal court to bring them to justice. It was something I hope no other nurse will ever have to face. So first bit of advice is know who you are working for. The second piece of advice I have is trust your gut. Always trust your gut. During those years something didn’t sit well with me and I refused to do some of the things management was asking me to do because it didn’t feel right. These are the things that kept me as a witness for the prosecution instead of a defendant. If it doesn’t seem right it probably isn’t. If something doesn’t sit right with you with a patients’ condition seek help. Finally, remember what it feels like to be a new nurse. Remember being scared and insecure, because one day you are going to be the preceptor, mentor and teacher. Remember the nurses that fostered your growth and how that made you feel. When it is your turn to be the mentor, be the mentor you wanted for yourself.
ReplyDeleteAmen!
DeleteThe advice that I can give to new nurses is for them to learn the ability to listen and to be humble. As a new nurse it is overwhelming and be prepared for the challenges ahead.
ReplyDeletei would congratulate the new nurse for that accomplishment, nursing is a passion and to be nurse is a tough job , you have to be ready all the time, you need the heart , the compassion and the dedication. i believe nursing is a noble profession, its a never ending quest for learning , you have to keep reading and getting yourself ready with the new technology taht are available but the most important of all is your love for serving all the people your meet along.
ReplyDeleteBefore anything I would like to give a "BIG SHOUT OUT" to Melissa for another amazing Journal Club year. Thank You for the excellent job!
ReplyDeleteAn advice to New Nurses.
Being a new grad you have tendency to be afraid or embarassed to ask question. Probably the notion of not smart if you ask question.Do not be afraid to admit or accept if you are not sure how to do a procedure, or to give the proper care for your patients. Being a preceptor, I will be very glad if you are being honest, than pretend to know how to do it and make a mistake minor or major maybe. Know the policy and procedure of the facility you are working for to guide your actions. And never hesitate to ask questions when in doubt. Be a team player, follow your heart, and always follow the MOTHER STANDARD of care.
Ohhhh Imelda, that's a good one that I forgot! No question is a stupid question. And let me tell you, I ask a lot of questions! Advice for preceptors should have been part of this discussion as well! I would have reminded them that we were all once students and new nurses, be gentle! :)
DeleteThanks Imelda - and thank you for sharing your experiences and wisdom with our group!
DeleteI definitely agree with other bloggers that it is imperative to believe in yourself. Being a nurse can make you feel ridiculously stupid at times. If a doctor criticizes your judgement or timing, if a patient asks you a question you don’t know, if you just can’t figure out a particular skill, etc. All these things make nurses question their abilities. Nursing is hard, it is a job that no one can understand unless they do it. It takes courage and belief in oneself. On the flip side of that, overconfidence is also detrimental. Doing something that you don’t fully understand, or thinking you “know everything” can be dangerous. Take your time, think about what you’re doing, ask questions, seek help when needed. Oh and let me slip one more piece of advice in there…take care of yourself! We all know you can’t take care of other people if you don’t first take care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteYes Krista! So important to take care of ourselves. If we are burned out and exhausted, we can't give our patients the mother standard of care. Being present and well rested is so so important and it helps us in not only our work lives but our personal lives as well. Awesomely said krista.
DeleteI totally agree! It's hard to gain confidence as a new nurse and you WILL do things that will make you feel stupid. But never be afraid to ask for help!
DeleteMy advice to new nurses would most likely be the same advice I received from my instructors when I was a student:
ReplyDeleteDon't be too confident, there will always be something you don't know. You cannot use the words "never" and "always" in nursing. If you are working for the paycheck, this is not the job for you. Last but not least, it's okay if you are unsure but if you don't know the answer, find it!
It's certainly scary being a new nurse but I love it!
My nursing instructors also taught us that if we are working for a paycheck nursing is not the right career for you! Very true.
DeleteI remember being a new nurse and really being terrified. I often thought, and still think, that nursing school really doesn't prepare you for the realities of nursing. Text book nursing and the real deal are usually not the same. So, my advice to new nurses would be, be patient, develop a routine and be prepared for the routine to be blown to pieces often. It takes time to feel comfortable. Don't be scared to ask questions and use your PDR (I one time had a nurse tell me that she knew that I was a new nurse because I was using a PDR. I assured her that I will always look up a medication if I am unfamiliar. I am happy to report that this is still true, I will always look up medications if I am not familiar. Granted I now using Micromedex instead of a PDR, but I still look them up). I would rather have a nurse ask questions if uncertatin than to just proceed without knowing! I feel like it definitely shows more character to ask than to just go with the flow and possibly put a patient at risk.
ReplyDeleteWell said Tina:-)
DeleteHaha, Tina! I still look up medicines! WebMD!
DeleteYes Tina! Nursing school surely doesn't prepare you for the real world. I had a great preceptor, but it was a scary place and so much too learn. Questions, questions, questions.
DeleteIt has been a long time since I was a "new nurse" and things are so different now. Some things will always hold true however. I agree with previous comments that you should not put on a fascad of knowing everything. When you think you know it all and a bag of chips, that is when bad things happen. If you do make an honest mistake, own it and examine why it happened in the first place so that it is hopefully never repeated. Learn from others in every discipline, if given the opportunity, not just other nurses. Identify your passions. Seek out knowledge-work is much more fun when you know what you're doing:-) Above all, practice self-care and allow yourself to be human-none of my mentors ever told me that...............
ReplyDeleteMy advice to a new nurse would be to never be afraid to ask questions or ask for help. You are not expected to know everything nor will you know everything. Even experienced nurses will turn to others to bounce ideas off them or get their input on something. And IT IS OKAY. Nursing is ever changing- new evidence practices will keep evolving and nursing will always change and evolve as a profession. You will always be learning new things, and even challenged at times.
ReplyDeleteI would tell a new nurse that it doesn't come over night, but one day it will just click! I can say that from personal experience and I can recall the exact day it all came together. Give it time and don't beat yourself up other the small stuff. Nursing is a hard job, on so many levels! Be yourself, enjoy the patients, and have fun! Most times the patients aren't here because they want to be.... help lighten the mood!!
ReplyDeleteI agree Lauren, one day it all makes sense!
DeleteGreat advice Lauren. I think that a huge part of nursing is to have fun and remember that everything will make sense eventually. Being a nurse comes with so much responsibility that many new nurses feel overwhelmed with their role and it is important that they understand that they are only human and they don't have to know everything.
DeleteI agree with all the comments above. I really feel that encouraging a new nurse to share their fears, frustrations, concerns openly and in a safe manner, will help give them confidence. I would suggest a new nurse look around him/herself for a seasoned nurse that seems to flow effortlessly and try to see if they will help mentor and show you the ropes.
ReplyDeleteIt is so true that nursing school gives you book smarts but doesn't give much common sense "out on the job/real world" "street" smarts. That develops with more time and experience to different situations and learning to cope as things come up.
The great thing about nursing is you can change job environments to find the right fit for you! I think it took me close to a year to really feel comfortable being a nurse.
Thanks for another fabulous year, Melissa!
And thank you Sarah for being part of our group!
DeleteVery well said from the previous bloggers. As a new nurse, you need to have an open mind, be able to listen and be humble. You don't want to be overconfident and the "Know-It-All Nurse". If you are not sure what to do, then don't be afraid and don't be ashamed to ask questions. As previously mentioned, there are NO stupid questions. You don't want to learn something the hard way. What I'm trying say is, it's OK to learn from your mistakes, but you don't want to take the risk of making big ones because you are afraid to ask and worst you might cause harm and injury to your patients. I remembered a nurse and a dear friend told me, that when these things happened to you; you'll never forget it and it will hunt you for the rest of your life.
ReplyDeleteI agree Alex, being know it all nurse is not going to bring you anywhere. Always remember that there are no stupid questions,
DeleteMy advice to new nurses would be to take advantage of learning opportunities! Experiment with different nursing jobs and specialties to figure out what type of nursing is interesting to you. Know that just because you don't like a certain nursing job doesn't mean being a nurse isn't for you. Keep trying differnt things and keep an open mind. Chart everything you do to make sure that your charting paints a picture of what actually happened during the patient interaction. This way, you can rest assure if a lawsuit ever arises, your charting will be sufficient to support your interventions.
ReplyDeleteNursing is an amazing career. So much has changed form the 70's so if you do not have the passion in the position you are in seek out a different venue. You are never "just a nurse"!!! You are strong and passionate. Times have changed. The sky is the limit and there are nursing positions that have not even been created that are in your future. We are the backbone of healthcare. Be proud, be passionate and learn everyday. You willnever know it all and if you think you do than you need to step back and reevaluate if you are getting burned out. Care for yourself or you cannot care for your patients. Remember we are all human and learn form each other. I love the new young nurses because they bring new knowledge and passion to the career.
ReplyDeleteTHe advice that I would give a new nurse is the following:
Delete1. Things can be really tough in the beginning: an overwhelming sense of responsibilty coupled with the reality that nursing school does little to prepare you both intelectually and emotionally for real life nursing. These feelings will pass a little bit every day as your move through your journey and your confidence grows. :)
2. Don't give up. If you're not in the right fit, nursing is one of the most versatile careers available. You will find something that you love.
3. Remember why you went to nursing school. It is completely and 100% for the patient. As long as you remember this in every situation, you will do just fine. Enjoy the journey, you are affecting people in ways you never imagine or will even ever realize.
The advice i would give would be to never hesitate to ask questions, lean on your senior nurses for guidance and advise always and never let the overwhelming days consume you, find ways to let it out and deal with emotions. Always remember that you are the patients advocate, and Never fear if you question something. the emotional side is what you can never be preapred for but you will get through it and be stronger for it.
DeleteI love this post!
ReplyDeleteMy advice for nurses is first and foremost, to get that BSN as soon as possible. As we know, the "2020" campaign seeks to have 80% of nurses baccalaureate-prepared...this is a mere 4 years away! I also encourage new nurses to take advantage of their hospitals' continuing education and reimbursement programs.
Secondly, nursing is extremely versatile. There are multiple areas, environments, shifts and patient populations with which to work. If one doesn't quite fit right (as Kari Raimen pointed out), try another!
Lastly, always remember your ethics. Nursing is continuously regarded as one of the most ethical professions in the world. There's a reason: we advocate for those in our care. If a physician order doesn't quite seem right, question it. If a patient has a new symptom at 3AM and needs medicine--make that phone call. If a fellow nurse is "skipping" crucial steps, point it out. We all have a role in making safety a priority!
Theresa Minniear
Clinical Research
That is a great point Theresa. BSN is going to be a requirement in the near future. Plus, most if not all the hospitals offer reimbursement programs that one can use to further their education.
DeleteMy advice for a new nurse is to watch and learn from a more experienced nurse. Be strong and believe in yourself know that you have the knowledge and you just need to get the experience. DO NOT be afraid to ask questions and STAND up for yourself in a professional way. Your confidence will come as you work those long hours,{Ha-Ha.} But most of all remember SELF CARE is a priority and necessity not a luxury in the work that we do. Enjoy yourself as much as possible. Take a lot of nice deep breaths.
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas. I feel that new nurses can often feel intimidated and lesser than experienced nurses which can lead to them not asking important questions. New nurses are a wealth of knowledge and I often find myself asking them questions as well. There are some things that come with experience, and there are those that come with the new knowledge of graduate nurses.
DeleteMy advise to a nurse nurse is to follow your heart.
ReplyDeleteNursing is a very emotionally as well as intellectually demanding profession. Compassion comes easier to those who like what they are doing and feel committed to doing the very best they possibly can.
Keep current in your profession certifications and education, network with others, join professional organizations and help advance our profession.
I would tell new nurses to take their time. Take one day at a time. Learn to laugh and experience everything encountered, take advantage of all opportunities, and always remember you will be learning new things everyday. There will be days that are good and days that aren't so good. Try not to take everything personal. Remember too, to take time for yourself. Work life balance is so important for you to survive. You will not learn every thing in one day. Wear comfortable shoes, have a sense of humor. Be true to yourself
DeleteI agree with all the good advise shared in this months posting! Nancy, you hit on something that really resonated for me. "To take our time." I agree with how very important that is for all of us nurses no matter how long we have been in nursing. This especially challenging to do as a new nurse in today fast pace "drive through" health care system. Everyone and everything want it fast! This is not only dangerous, but rushing and that constant "rush, rush" will burn you out quickly having no value to the patient or you in my opinion.
DeleteAdvice I would give to a new nurse is to:
ReplyDelete• Always ask your team for advice if you are ever unsure of any type of patient care
• Be a patient and nurse advocate, always stand up for what is best practice, no matter who you have to stand up too
• Take care of yourself first in order to give the best patient care
• Never forget why you became a nurse
• If you are ever unsure about how to handle a situation, always think about what benefits the patient the most, including the patient’s wishes and let that guide you in your decision making process
These days also take into credit the patient's cultural background while caring for them.
DeleteSo much great advice from all of the above. One of the most important things I learned as a new nurse was to "trust my gut". When something doesn't feel right, it usually isn't. Believe in yourself. It's why you're a nurse. Today we are fortunate to be focusing on self-care. That's not something we even talked about years ago. Remember to do what you love. Take care of yourself so you can care for others. Thanks Melissa for a great year.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you Tina for enriching our group with your comments!
DeleteI agree with all of the above. Ask questions, think before you act and always remeber you are there for the patient. Advocate for the patient. Follow your intuition. Love yourself. Thank you Melissa, you rock!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Cathy - I hope you have enjoyed being part of journal club. Looking back at early posts, I believe you are one of the original members!
DeleteMy advice to new grads...
ReplyDelete-Always trust your instinct. If your instinct tells you that a code or RRT needs to be called, call it. Don't hesitate because you are afraid to be wrong.
-You will feel overwhelmed and incapable of being a nurse for the first year of being in this profession, don't worry this will go away after the first year.
-Take advantage of all earning opportunities because you have chosen a profession that is life long learning.
-Never forget that you always have a team/resources if you are ever doubtful. It's okay to ask even if you already know the answer; sometimes you just need reassurance.
this is my advice to a new grad-Try to find a mentor that matches your learning style, if a person that you are assigned does not fit you, then ask for another mentor. Learn an orginazational approach to stay focused on needed tasks for your patients.
ReplyDeleteListen to your patients
Take a break every work day.
Every year earn continuing education, even if not required by your employer or state board.
Study hard for your boards, no drinking the night before, relax when you take the board exam.
Join ANA and a specialty nursing organization. Attend meetings to network.
Welcome to the wonderful world of Nursing! Becoming a new nurse can have its challenges but do not get discouraged. You will find the perfect fit for you. One of the best parts of nursing is if you do not like one area of nursing, you can change. Remember that people will not remember what you said but what you did and how you made them feel. Always stay compassionate and true to yourself. This will enable you to provide the best care for your patients.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice Sheila. It is one of the amazing things about the nursing profession.
DeleteNursing is a great profession to be in. There are so many oppurtunities to learn and advance. Some of my advice would be:
ReplyDeleteAlways trust you instinct and try not to second guess yourself.
You have to keep an open mind to different types of treatments and therapies that are avaliable.
Treat your patients and families as you would want your family to be treated if they were in this situation.
Have fun! Nursing can be very difficult but you have to be able to enjoy what you do! Remember you are making a difference in the lives of others!
My advice to the new nurses graduating this year:
ReplyDeleteNursing is one of the most rewarding professions in the world only if your desire is to help and inspire and commit yourself to the service of your fellowmen.
Nursing is not an easy job, there will be times where you will fail, resented, and humiliated by others but a true nurse should never be weak and should never surrender in times of these situations because a true nurse is brave, good, and confident in what he does.
A nurse should always have compassion, love, patience and dedication for his work because no amount of these can overcome the sufferings and pains of your patients.
As a new nurse you are considered as a "tabula rasa", meaning a clean slate that is why in every thing you do think before you act because you own your own practice and at least at the end of the day you have no regrets of what you did not do to save a life of your patient.
As a nurse be professional all the time that way you earn everybody's respect.
Be proud of your achievements whether they are big or small because you earned it....you worked hard for it.
As a nurse you are bound for many challenges...are you ready to face them without crying or giving up?
As a new nurse are you sure this is what you want....because nursing is not easy.
After saying no and yes to the questions, then definitely your are called to be a nurse...just one more reminder don't forget to smile and have fun because as hard as it can be, there is no greater success in this world that was earned easily....and we as nurses will tell you "been there, done that."
Good luck!!!!!
I agree with you Richie, And we are all thankful that you stayed in MRMC after you got your license. You have been a very good example to all the nurses. So proud of you.
DeleteRichie,
DeleteYou are wise beyond your years as a "new" nurse yourself. Great post, well said. I couldn't have said it better myself.
I love seeing how you interact with your patients, and the smiles you bring to mine, and others faces every day.
Nursing truely is your calling!
Congratulations Melissa for another learning year through journal club!!! Congratulations also to all the participants because each of your sharing were substantial and informative. I'm so excited what next year's topics will be???
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThanks Richie, I am glad that you have enjoyed journal club. Your wisdom and observations have added so much to our group!
DeleteAs an experienced nurse with a passion to be involved with new nurses and nursing students, I love this topic. Although I've been a nurse for awhile...I think it is important to remember that I was a new nurse and scared to make mistakes and possibly miss something about a patient. Over time I've learned that we all teach each other and it is important to care for each other. We cannot treat each other as if we are better than another, as we all come with different knowledge and experience. New nurses are such a wealth of fresh information and data that I love to encourage them to share their knowledge and be confident. One of the most important things that new nurses need to know is that they are not alone, they are not expected to be perfect or know everything. Healthcare is an ever-changing and evolving world and we all learn on a continuous basis...all at different stages of our careers...but the same career.
ReplyDeleteI love this post Jessica! Especially because you are one of my go-to people... and while I may not be a brand new nurse - I have always felt comfortable asking you questions. So with heartfelt thanks ~ you are awesome and I think your response to this post is exactly what the nursing profession needs from experienced nurses.
DeleteJess, you were always working with me as a PCT and you always taught me so much! I love that you have this attitude! It truly makes working with you so wonderful, and I have learned quite a bit from you! I've always admired your knowledge and nursing skills, and especially your bedside manner with our patients! 😘 It's always a pleasure working with you!
DeleteMy advice for new nurses would include - never be afraid to ask questions, we are all learning every day. Don't worry - confidence will come with experience. Trust your gut, a second set of eyes are never far. There will be ups and downs in this career but the reward outweighs the bad. If you are working in an area of nursing that you find you don't care for - find a different area... nursing is a fortunately a broad growing umbrella. Always try to imagine yourself in your patient's shoes (or non-slip socks - LOL) - most likely they are scared and trying to cope. Don't forget to take care of YOU while you are caring for THEM. Enjoy! Nursing is a wonderful career.
ReplyDeleteLisa Hammons
ReplyDeleteSome advice for new nurses is to learn as much as you can during your comprehensive new grad nursing orientation. Get very good broad experience as a new nurse such as working on a med surg unit or in ICU. I was offered the choice of ICU or ortho/neuro for my first nursing job and I chose ortho/neuro because I was afraid of ICU, was afraid I didn’t know enough to be able to do a good job in ICU. Now I realize that I wasn’t supposed to know everything right away, that I would have been taught and mentored into becoming a great ICU nurse and would have learned a great deal more in that setting that would have served me well for the rest of my career. Basically, learn from your experienced nurses, soak up as much info as you can and never be afraid to ask questions, tons and tons of questions.
Lisa - you are so right!!!!!
DeleteMy best advice would be to find an area of nursing to practice in that fosters your strengths and captures your interests. Most of us have held positions that were not fulfilling, perhaps just to get our foot in the door, but after that period of time has elapsed I recommend finding that area of nursing that pulls you in on an intellectual, even emotional level. This will really help avoid burnout
ReplyDeleteI agree with"The Scharff's", about not being afraid to ask questions. I have been the new kid on the block and there are those nurses who arent as welcoming as others. You have been hired for a reason, because you are qualified, so take every opportunity to become a better nurse.... ask questions!!!
ReplyDeleteAgree completely.....always ask ?'s not only to the MD writing the order, but to the patient to clarify what symptom he or she is attempting to describe. Many times "things get lost in translation" or we make assumptions...it is better to ask to make certain than assume and an error could be made. I think this comment has been said many times but never loses it importance to me. Thanks again to Melissa and Patty for all they have done this year.
DeleteIn the words of Tim McGraw, "Always stay humble and kind". You will never know all there is to know about nursing. Humble yourself to your peers and to your patients. Treat them as people, not numbers. Nursing is far more than just a paycheck. We are difference makers, and care takers, and life changers. Never forget the power you have in times of someone's time of weakness. You can and will make a difference in their life. Stay kind. Don't let the business of your daily work take away from the one thing EVERYONE needs, kindness. Kindness to your peers and to your patients. It will get you WAY farther than hostility.
ReplyDeletevery well said.
DeleteYou are so right sister... I guess that is why we talk daily. Thank you so much for your kindness. You make my job so much better on a daily. I completely agree
DeleteAdvise I would give nurses is to never lose sight of what is important-the patients! Remain genuine and take care of yourself. Nursing is a self-less and the most noblest of professions thus it very easy to fall into a self-care deficit. Remember...In order to care for others you must first care for yourself. By doing so you will avoid burnout and compassion fatigue. No one wants to be referred to as a "grumpy nurse," don't become one! and lastly, learn something new everyday. You do not know it all and no one expects that you ever will. Know your limitations and ask for help!
ReplyDeleteSo many pieces of advice to tell a new nurse...but choosing one would be to "take care of yourself." In order to keep giving, keep supporting, keep rolemodeling, keep teaching, and keep learning, you must take care of yourself. It takes alot of energy and we give our all everyday. Find your support system,find methods to decompress, find enjoyment unrealted to work. Try reading mysteries, playing golf, taking peaceful walks, volunteering at a grade school with those cute kids. Choose healthy outlets to re-energize for the next day at work. Then you can give to patients, families, & staff without depleting yourself.
ReplyDeleteI think many of us forget to take care of ourselves and it is a good habit to get into at the beginning of your career.
DeleteMy advice for new nurses? Hmmm….Here we go:
ReplyDelete1. Give yourself credit. You made it through nursing school! You’re tough, and resilient, and you persevere! Rejoice!
2. Know that your difficult training- the time demands, inexhaustible knowledge attained, the fatigue, the multiple things chomping at your ankles….all of these have prepared you to BEGIN your nursing career. Because that’s nursing – doing it all at once, with grace
3. Ask, ask, ask! There is NO WAY we can know it all. Ever. Humble yourself and ask that question. Even if you’ve already asked it. Ask again.
4. Play nice, and give your colleagues the benefit of the doubt. We ALL have bad days, and we don’t know what the other person is walking through. Extend the kindness you’d like extended to you.
5. Value YOURSELF! There is no one else like you. You’re one of a kind, and we need you. Take the advice you give out – you know, the “get rest, hydrate, eat well, relax, pursue work/life balance….” Do it! Take care of your precious self. Then you’ll be able to take care of your patients well.
6. See past your patients’ treatment plan, and see THEM. I believe we do that better here than most places, but still a good reminder. They need this, and they value this.
7. LAUGH! Laugh a lot! It’ll get you through many a scrape
Thank you, Melissa – I’ve really enjoyed being a part of Journalphoria this year!
great post!
DeleteThank you Jennifer, you have added much to our group!
DeleteI would let the new nurse know it's ok to ask questions! Asking questions will not only improve your practice but maintain safety for the patient. Learn from your patients! They have such insight and can give you so much in each interaction. And be present with your patients! There is a moment to be shared and moment that you can truly connect with your patient, so be present! Create the caring moment!!
ReplyDeleteI could not agree more with the importance of asking questions! For every nurse! We are learning every day! And I agree to stay present in the moment. You will never know the magnitude of impact you have with each patient in each and every encounter! You can't fake caring! :)
DeleteAbsolutely Kelly! We are life-long learners.
DeleteThe advice I would give to a new nurse would be to always stay positive no matter what challenges come your way; ask questions; smile and laugh; be patient,and listen; and never feel you are alone in any situation---we are there for eachother, as a team.
ReplyDeleteAdvice to new nurses is to be compassion, kind and give support to patient. Cancer patients are very emotional, they go through grieving process. Before they could even think of getting treatment is they need all the support from their love ones, being the nurse who takes care of not only physical but also emotional needs is very important.
ReplyDeleteI have been working in MRMC for almost 13 years now. After 11 years I received a picture of me and the patient (she passed already).
Her husband send it to me saying THANK YOU.
How wonderful is that, I could not even remember the patient.
Anyway. And of course we have to take of ourselves too. It’s part of our job to be well to take care of our patients.
Eat healthy, enjoy life and most of all smile.
The blog would not let me post my initial post, so I had to post it under a reply. I need to put in an IT ticket, but they are backlogged right now. As a new nurse, there was a time or two that I became so overwhelmed while working on the floor with 4-5 patients, and then getting a new admission on top of that. My phone was ringing non-stop, new lab orders needing to be drawn, patients needing pain meds, nausea meds, etc., etc., etc. I started to cry on one or two occations that I can remember. The advise I would give to a new nurse is to not be afraid to ask for help, remember you can do anything you put your mind to do, take one day, hour, minute at a time, and remember to BREATHE!
DeleteBrenda Chiappetta
The advice I would give to new nurses starting out would be not to lose you when caring for others. Sometimes as nurses we wear so many hats in the workplace and outside of the workplace. Time goes by so quickly and you soon realize that you have not taken care of yourself for years and often realize the burnout you are feeling is because you did not take time for yourself. I now know that to provide better care we must put ourselves and our own needs first and then we are able to provide better care to our patients as well as our loved ones. It is a hard concept to grasp but it is a necessary and import concept to learn from the beginning for your own health and well-being.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure that new nurses would hear me..... I remember being a new nurse. I was so scared. I'm not sure I could would have heard anyone because I was so nervous & freak- out. I was working on a psych floor hoping I could change the world one patient at a time - sigh. Little did I know... I was there to help children & adults. I thought it was going to be very different. Instead, patients were admitted for a very short amount of time, then send back to a world that did not understand their illness. Mental illness is not like cancer or heart disease, people usually do not kick family members out of their homes, because they have high blood pressure. A 20yo male with schizophrenia sometimes can be hard for a family member to accept. I could not talk to anyone about my patients I was seeing, it was very sad. I knew that I was helping. The environment was safe, they were able to have a hot meal, and we washed their clothes. They also could take their medications and had therapy in a safe atmosphere. I worked nights, I had to find a different job due to family issues.... I am grateful for this first job, it taught me how to talk to families, children, adults, and people struggling with many issues for that I will always be grateful, however - the faces of children & their stories have left me some scars. I know that I am a better nurse and mother because of them. What I would say to new nurses? This is a tough job, it is very rewarding - We are here to help you and to listen. Please talk to your peers, find outside interests that you love, and take care of yourself ALWAYS!!!
ReplyDeleteML - Thank you for another great year of Journalphoria!!! I know you are very passionate about Journalphoria - we can all see that every month. Thank you for sharing your passion with us. We are lucky to have this forum.
ReplyDeleteMy advice to new nurses is to develop relationships with established nurses. Find mentors that you can trust and seek advice from. The best mentors I have had have been nurses who have been in nursing for many years and still have a passion for their job, a love of sharing their knowledge in their chosen field and a desire to see new nurses succeed. Skill and knowledge come with time, know your resources and utilize them.
ReplyDeleteMy advice to new nurses, since I am still very new myself, would be to take every opportunity you can! Healthcare is so interesting and I have been jumping at every bit of education and involvement I can while working here at CTCA. As a new nurse, your brain is still on "learning mode", and I think it's great to constantly be challenging yourself right off the bat because you will only add to the knowledge you have gained from nursing school. Also, I would encourage anyone with their Associate's Degree in Nursing to go right away for their BSN if they can. Get it done with, the back burner idea sometimes becomes a game changer for the future and you may have regrets. Good luck to all the graduates and hope to work with you some day so we can learn from eachother!
ReplyDelete-Mallory Mukka
I'm glad that we got a nurse like you working in CTCA who's willing to learn every bit of education that comes her way. Hurray for CTCA!!!
DeleteI also agree with continuing with the BSN right away; don't wait!
DeleteMy advice to new nurses would certainly be to believe in yourself and the skills and knowledge will follow. Being a new nurse is terrifying! You are now the one responsible....things are in your hands. Whats not to be scared of....these people are really sick!!! Sometime what we forget as new nurses is that every nurse has walked in those uncomfortable shoes. If you are unsure or have questions, ASK THEM!!! There are seasoned nurses out here that are not here to chew you up and spit you out, they want to help teach what they have come to learn with the years of experience they have under their belt. Nursing is the GREATEST profession in the world, it gives back as much as it takes....and most of the time it gives back even more.
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ReplyDeleteMy advice to a new nurse is very personal recently. My daughter just graduated nursing school and just began working as a new nurse. It has made me think about all of the stress I dealt with as a new nurse. I have advised her to perform her duties as taught in school and not using all of the short cuts that her preceptors may try to push her to follow to get the task done. I also advised her to take her time and double and triple check everything she does. Also to tell every patient what she is going to do for them and ask them if this is what they understand what would happen, if they have any doubts, have the doctor come back in and clarify the plan. I also advised her to find a job that makes her happy and that fulfills her because while some facilities pay well, they may not be the best job for a new nurse or most nurses.
ReplyDeleteI remembered when I was a new grad many, many, years ago but it seemed like yesterday. I felt scared, overwhelmed and unprepared. What has one to do to survive? Here are some tips I learned as I gained my experiences.
ReplyDeleteBe patient. No one expects you to know everything when you are a new grad. Take time to learn and gain the experiences you need.
Show willingness to help others and others will do the same for you. Lend a helping hand to co-workers and you might even learn something in the process.
Focus on the positive. At the end of each day, reflect on what you learned and think of one good thing that you did for someone. Keep a positive journal of the times you made a difference or helped someone.
Show initiative. Seek out opportunities to get the experience you need. For example, If a certain procedure is going to be done in your unit, talk to your preceptor if you can participate or at least observe. Show willingness to learn.
well said Jennifer Castro :)
DeleteMy biggest advice is to not be scared to ask questions! Thankfully, when i was a new grad nearly 4 years ago, I was already working at a PCT on the 3rd floor here, and let me tell you! After already having a solid friendships with the 3rd floor staff (pct/nurses/managers/educators/etc), it really made a different for me! My nursing friends grew as mentors for me, I felt that I could trust their judgement and knoweledge, and I learned a lot from them! The greatest freedom I had through this experience was asking questions! When I was a nursing student, the nurses that I followed always intimated me and made me nervous to ask quetsions.... So i knew that as a new nurse, I would need to be bold and be ready to ask questions, and humble myself to have the ability to learn new things!
ReplyDeleteAnd lets be honest, each day we can all learn something new! All it takes is humbling yourself, not being afraid to ask a question, and have the open mind to learn something new!
Thank you for a wonderful year Melissa!
Be Nice. Take care of yourself. Feel free to ask for help. Always keep the patient first. Be a patient advocate. Take your time learning to make sure you understand.
DeleteBeena Patel
ReplyDeleteI would tell him or her that being in the real world working as a nurse is different than what it felt like while in clinical but it doesn’t have to be scary. I would tell them to give it time and to question everything. If you are unsure of why your preceptor or the doctor is doing something, then just ask. More often than not, they would be more than willing to share their knowledge and experience. And most of all, when you come across something that you are not familiar with i.e. medications, diagnosis, procedures etc. look it up. Find the time to learn more about it immediately.
So many great advices were given in previous blog comments.I would like to tell new graduates not to be afraid to ask questions,not to be afraid to ask for help,they are not alone-its team work to take care of a patient.Never forget during your practice that your patient is someone's loved one and they deserve the utmost respect and to be treated with dignity.Always remember that and good luck.
ReplyDeleteMelissa, I just want to say thank you for once again "hosting" Journal Club! I imagine it's alot of work and I appreciate you doing this for us. I would tell a new nurse to relax and know you have many years ahead of you to hone your skills and perfect your art. You don't have to know everything this very moment. Remember to listen with your ears and your heart. Take time with patients, they need your compassion and kindess as much as they need your technical skills. Never stop learning. On those really difficult days, remember why you became a nurse. Look to your colleagues for help, you're not in this alone. Take care of yourself. You are no good to anyone else if you let yourself get used up. Remember that caring for someone at their most vulnerable is an honor, a sacred thing, and not just a job. Know your limits. Be kind. Promote healing. Use all the gifts and talents you have to make this world a better place.
ReplyDeleteMy advice to a new grad would be to find your true passion within the nursing profession, there are many different options to choose from. Try to remember, you are not expected to do everything by yourself. It takes an entire team to take care of each patient. Teamwork is a two-way street; ask for help when needed and help others when they may need it. Every patient deserves your sincere compassion and the very best care possible. Stay engaged and present in the moment with your patients. A warm smile or taking the time to really listen to a patient can make a world of difference with their care. Be enthusiastic, confident, and most importantly an advocate for all patients. Be proud you are a nurse and stay as open-minded and flexible as you possibly can. The healthcare world is changing, at a rapid rate these days. Be kind to yourself by making yourself a priority to stay physically and emotionally healthy.
ReplyDeleteMelissa L., Thank you again for another year filled with educational nursing topics and for this platform to share our thoughts with each other!
My advice to the new nurses is to not to be afraid to ask questions, as new nurses we don’t always know –neither we are going to start working as nurses knowing how to do everything. All the experience comes with time and practice. It is best to stop, and ask for help/guidance from a coworker than to take a chance and make a mistake or to harm a patient. Providing the patients with the dignified care they deserve is of great satisfaction, and one of the most important principles of nursing (never forget this!). Leaving work at the end of the day knowing that you did your best, and even if you had stressful day (we all know that nursing can be at times) you gave your 100% and that you made a difference in somebody’s journey as they deal with disease/condition it’s worth every single sacrifice made during and while attending school, and you should be glad you have made the decision of becoming a nurse.
ReplyDeleteHortensia Aiello
One of the first things I would say to a new graduate nurse is congratulations. Nursing school was tough and a big commitment. When I was a new nurse on the floor, one of the most helpful things for me was knowing that I wasn’t alone and that I could always seek help from my fellow nurses. I know my first day without my preceptor was a bit scary, but I can’t say I was really alone. Everyone was very helpful and willing to help me. No question is a stupid question and after three years of nursing I still ask questions. My advice would be to go with your gut feeling when you know something is not right. I know at first I was scared to call a physician, but they are human too. If they would get upset from a late night call, I would just tell them I was doing my job. Nursing is both a stressful and rewarding job. It can be challenging but I love what I do.
ReplyDeleteMy advice would be to never feel afraid to ask a questions. Take every voluntary educational opportunity that might be available to you through your employer. If the nurse that is mentoring you is not the right fit do no hesitate to speak with you manager to make a switch, as you need to make the most of your orientation period. Even after you orientation is over you should not feel that you are expected to know everything, and cannot still asks questions. Comfort and confidence in nursing only comes with time and experience, and there is only so much you can learn from books from school and the short amount of time you had with clinical rotations.
ReplyDeleteThe advice I have for new grads is to stay positive, as a nurse you have to enjoy what you are doing. To ask questions, many new situations come with nursing sometimes there is no right or wrong answer, medicine is always changing. Research what you do not know or what you are not familiar with, you learn something new everyday. And finally, listen to your patients they know themselves best and are your best resource on what they need, and you can reuse the gained knowledge when situations reappear.
ReplyDeleteI agree Michelle on all points, but especially to listen to your patients - they really do know themselves best.
ReplyDeleteI would tell new grads to keep an open mind about where they may work, there are many different areas to work in as a nurse. You can choose and change your direction many times. Enjoy your patients, they are why we do what we do. Be kind to yourself and find that work-life balance. Your health is just as important as your patients.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Vicki Rihn. I have been working in the infusion center for almost 2 years and have worked @ CTCA for almost 9 years. I did not do much reading this summer because I was busy trail riding and camping with my horses. I understand and agree with the guidelines for journal club. I am really looking forward to the articles this year. There have been some very good articles in the past.
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