A Little Help for New Graduates

BLOG STATEMENT: This post was originally listed on this blog in 2007 as a reminder to experienced nurses that new graduate nurses would be entering practice soon and as a way to give new nurses with some tips for success. I thought it was appropriate to re-post this message.

I certainly do not profess to be the expert here, but as a nurse for 23 years in med-surg, surgical progressive care, open heart, and ICU as well as a clinical nursing instructor and a graduate student (MSN), I think I have some general words of advice. So, for those of you who need it - here it is for what it is worth to you.

1. First - every time you sign your name as a RN - please remember how hard you worked for this accomplishment and the sacrifices of yourself and all those people in your life that helped you "make it!"
2. Remember, nursing is a hard job! It has always been a hard job and it will always be a hard job! (Florence Nightingale).
3. Learn as much as you can! Do NOT be afraid to ask questions. You might drive an experienced nurse crazy, but in the long run, any experienced nurse understands why you are asking the questions and will respect you for trying to build upon and grow your knowledge base. For those that don't - forget about 'em - they ain't worth the time of day and probably are burned out nasty nurses that need to get the hell out of the business.
4. Always remember - the only reason you are an RN is to care for that patient. They are the true reason our profession is here. Don't ever forget your compassion, honesty, love and integrity. Fight for that patient and the care they need - they are counting on you!
5. Never give a medication that you don't know how it works. Ask the "WHY" questions as many times as you need too until you feel you understand and are comfortable with WHY you are doing something. Too many nurses don't ask the "WHY" questions and that gets them into trouble.
6. Never let a physician intimidate you. Yes, they are more educated (in some cases) and have more experience than you do, but you are the person at the bedside that is best situated to see changes in condition. While in the beginning you might feel like you don't know enough - rely on other experienced nurses to review your assessment with. They will help you to determine what to say to the physician.
7. An employer will work you until you are dead! Live a balanced life and don't make excuses for having balance in your life. If they ask you to work extra and you know that your child has a play and you can't work - please know that NO can really mean NO! And, you don't need to feel guilty about it.
8. Don't get STUCK working in an area of nursing that you are not passionate about. It is the fastest way to burn out in this profession. Seek out learning opportunities that will grow your knowledge and skill in an area of nursing that you desire to work in. Nursing offers so much variety that there is really no reason to stay in a place that you are not happy working. And - don't let them tell you that you need a year of med-surg before you can go to a speciality area. While having a med-surg background offers you the opportunity to develop your skills and competencies - I have known many of nurses that went into a speciality areas right out of school and have been highly successful. It really all depends on your motivation and your commitment. You call the shots.
9. After you have finished your first year in nursing - pay it forward. Remember that poor new graduate that your manager just hired - help them, be friend them and mentor them. You owe it to them.
10. Remember that nursing is a life-long learning profession. No matter what happens in your life - keep learning and never forget the benefits of more education. And - finally, remember your days as a new graduate and be the experienced nurse that other new graduates can look too as a resource and a person to learn from.

Congratulations on passing your boards and becoming a nurse! We need you and we need you to stay around for a long time. Thank you for entering our noble profession and for making a REAL difference in the lives of patients that need your care and love. Thank you for caring.

The Path to Here! Where was the Advice?

As I continue my educational journey to the DNP level, I reflect on how much time it has taken me to arrive at this point in my life. I am certainly proud of my accomplishments, but can’t help but think … “was there an easy or perhaps more time efficient way to earn all these credentials?” My answer (to myself anyway) is a resounding yes!

When I was younger and knew I wanted to teach, I went from college advisor to college advisor trying to get an established pathway for what courses I would need, what degree path I should take, etc., etc. Very few people were helpful and I felt as though I was self advising. Funny thing … I had no clue what to do – so self advising was like answering myself when I had a question but did not have the answer.

We talk so often about the shortage of faculty in nursing and we discuss funding options from the government, employers and scholarships. Yet, maybe it is time that look at something pretty simple – advisors that have half a clue about what nursing education is and how a young person might define a career path to one day become a nurse educator. Maybe, just maybe something as simple as giving information might provide us with a few more bright young people that want to become nurse educators.

This goal will start with me! I know that I can mentor a young person and provide them with an academic pathway that will ultimately lead to qualifications as a nurse educator. So – what about you all out there in nurse educator land … can you see where you can make a difference in the educational journey of a would-be nurse educator? It is time.

The Blog Wins!

Despite no responses to my plea for your vote as to whether the blog stays or goes - I have made up my mind that the blog stays! I enjoy writing and after several hours of reviewing the posts I have made over the last 3 years - the blog really does have some great meaning.

I may change the focus of my blog a little more and center on the new degree I am pursuing. I am currently attending Capella University for my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. This new practice doctorate now available for nurses in clinical practice is a pretty important step. I want my focus to be on my journey while earning my DNP and on what I do with it after I graduate.

I have a great deal to say about nursing doctorate education and I think this blog provides the forum for that conversation.

Let me know what you think. Stay tuned - lots of changes are coming to RNSpeak! I think you might like the new blog - I know I will.

Should I Continue?

My last post to my blog was in January of this year. Much has changed and I have so much more to say. But, do you want to hear what I have to say? Does this blog have meaning or is it a place where I come to vent or just write because I have something to say? Whatever the case for me - I want your opinion. Should this blog continue? If you come here often and you have read some of my writings and you think this blog provides meaning - send me a comment and let me know.

It seems that a lot of spammers have certainly located my blog. But I want real nurses or nursing students to tell me - "SAVE RNSPEAK! THE BLOG HAS MEANING!!!!!

Thank you.

A Special Shout Out to Cindy with Nursing2010!

Resting on the bulletin board over my desk is a calendar "Men in Nursing." The calendar is publish through Nursing2010. As December of 2009 approached, I kept saying to myself that I needed to reorder the calendar. I remember I received the calendar from a friend of mine that has been very active with increasing the ranks of men in nursing. The calendar was well done and certainly promoted the excitement of being a nurse.

Nursing today for men is a wonderful professional career choice. I have been in the nursing profession for over 25 years and can say without hesitation that becoming a nurse was the single best career choice I could have made. Given the fact that I entered nursing at 18 years old ... that choice (at such a tender age) was very insightful.

Anyway, I sent an email to Cindy with Nursing2010 asking to reorder the calendar. She promptly wrote me back and said that the calendar is only sent to previously registered subscribers. I share with her that I was not aware of this and after several different emails back and forth - Cindy agreed to send a few calendars.

What makes this really important to me is that we are beginning our freshmen class this coming week; which has several male students. I think being able to offer a calendar that reflects men in professional nursing roles really serves as an excellent example that being a male in the profession of nursing is not only an educational advantage, it is a great career selection.

So - thanks Cindy for your thoughtfulness and for your kindness!