The New RN: Off to a Good Start

Registered nursing is an art of nurturing the sick and infirm back to optimum health. In addition, nurses are taking a more active role in patient education and disease prevention. It is a special calling for special people. As a new registered nurse, it is important to remember the reasons you chose a career in nursing; you will ask yourself why from time to time.

The nursing profession has branched out into many different areas such as nurse anesthetists and advanced nurse practitioners, requiring more and more specialized training, certificates, degrees, and licensure. Because of various career choices, the newRN should not be discouraged; some nurses change areas of practice 2-3 times in their career until they find their niche.

Registered nurses must put many personal beliefs and prejudices in the background when caring for patients; empathy is a requirement. Despite how busy the shift was, the new nurse should go home feeling accomplished, having made a difference. Those who lose the ability to empathize may face severe burnout, sometimes necessitating a career change.

Because the field of nursing is forever changing, it is important even for the new nurse to stay updated through journals, the internet, and continuing education programs (even if your state does not require it for license renewals).

These tips will help new RNs begin a successful career in this noble profession.

Recommended Continuing Education Courses

Although you recently completed your studies, I strongly recommend online continuing education courses on dealing with difficult people, cultural diversity, and conflict resolution.

Due to the nature of nursing, the new nurse will invariably encounter difficult people. It can make professional poise very challenging. These people range from colleagues, visitors, to patients and their families. It is important to possess special techniques for dealing with certain people and conflicts in a timely manner producing positive results. Win-win outcomes are always favorable.

Nursing a culturally diverse society requires skills in understanding and respecting the cultural mores of different groups of people. For example, our facility allowed Native Americans to conduct a prayer gathering, on grounds, for one of our patients. Know the demographics of your facility so you can familiarize yourself with their cultural norms.

As a new RN, you must also learn how to delegate, prioritize, manage time, and properly document care. These important and valuable tasks require more training than provided in nursing school. They will enhance your practice and get your career off to a good start.

Teaching Hospital Experience

I firmly believe that new RNs should obtain at least one year of experience working in a teaching hospital. Teaching hospitals are excellent starting points, there is a potential for new experiences daily. The atmosphere and focus is on education and lends itself to continuing the learning process.

Learning becomes contagious in a teaching hospital; there are also more opportunities for career advancement. Teaching hospitals usually offer better tuition assistance; I received my Bachelor's degree in exchange for only 1 ½ years of service.

In a teaching hospital, patients are aware that some care is provided by new nurses; they are more conducive to the learning process. Some are also very skillful with putting you at ease. I, myself, allowed a new RN two attempts to insert an intravenous needle prior to surgery.

Teaching hospitals are more updated on research, new trends, procedures, medications, and equipment. In addition, there are multiple opportunities for the new RN to learn through observation, conferences, course offerings, drug studies, in-services, and grand rounds. Our hospital was among the first to implement computerized patient records and the bar-coded medication administration system.

You and Your Colleagues

Registered nurses develop special bonds, particularly on their assigned shift. I remember on nightshift, we were like a small family. Do not go in with that old belief that all "nurses eat their young"! Many welcome the opportunity to mentor new nurses.

Experienced registered nurses possess a wealth of information, many are eager to share their stories with the new RN. I am afraid of new nurses, who I know lack experience, will not ask questions, yet appear to have it together. They ruin their career early and end up involved in malpractice lawsuits.

You may encounter a clique of registered nurses, who gossip about others and socialize outside of work. They could lead you to dislike your job, but do not let it worry you; remember your purpose is to provide care to the patient. I have never worked where there was not such a group, some even including our supervisor.

"Don't Let Them See You Sweat"

In order to gain more experience, you will frequently face performing unfamiliar tasks and procedures. It is a good idea for the new RN to discuss (and practice) the steps with someone prior to approaching the patient. Practice, beforehand, how you will explain the procedure to the patient. Always remain poise, confident, and professional in order to keep the patient at ease. Patients know that registered nurses have to start their career gaining experience, do not be embarrassed or too confident, as a new nurse, you are continually learning.

I recommend having an experienced registered nurse at your side the first time you perform any procedure or one that you are still not comfortable doing. Look, listen, and seek out new experiences, if there is a new machine or procedure done on another patient, ask his nurse to include you when certain tasks are performed. New RNs should volunteer to help change a major dressing or set up new equipment; it is your responsibility to seek out new experiences once you graduate.

Never be afraid to say, "I don't know" because it limits learning. Follow-up by saying you will seek clarification and/or will find an answer and return. No one expects the new RN to know everything but everyone expects you to continue to learn and gain more experience. Utilize reference books, other registered nurses, and the internet as resources.

Required Readings for New RN
HIPPA Rights: It is important to guard a patient's medical information, especially in an age of computerized records.

Patient Rights and Responsibilities: A patient has the right to refuse treatment and if forced, a registered nurse may be charged with assault and battery. These rights are prominently posted in the workplace. New nurses have a tendency to expect every patient to comply with their care; this is not always the case. Expect to use your skills of patient education, communication, and documentation when a patient refuses care.

Nursing Practice Act: This Act is sometimes at the center of lawsuits. The question of whether the prudent nurse acted within their scope of practice. All new nurses are expected to know their state's Nursing Practice Act.

Your Facility's Policy and Procedural Manual: A nurse who violates policies may not have the backing of their facility in a malpractice lawsuit. Scopes of practice and job descriptions are usually outlined in these manuals. Remember in order to delegate, the new RN must be familiar with the scope of practice of others. As a new nurse, make every effort to avoid errors; one way is to follow your facility's policies and procedures.

Lastly, always review your practice at the end of your shift. I like to analyze my decisions and practice as I ride home. Then, learning from experience, I know which areas I need improvement and follow up through available resources. Good Luck!