Tips for the new Nurse

1. Listen. Listen to those around you, they have been doing this and they have great knowledge and wisdom to share with you.

2. Ask. Don't ever be afraid to ask a question. The only stupid question is the one that wasn't asked. Don't be afraid to ask for help, there are many things in nursing that you cannot and should not do alone.

3. Observe. Observe the experts on your unit or in your practice setting. You can learn a great deal just from observation.

4. Set your priorities. Good nurses know how to prioritize. Think about what needs to be done first, second, and so on. Everything cannot be a top priority.

5. Take time for you. De-stress, relax, and enjoy life, you will be a better nurse if you take time to nurse yourself.

6. Remember who you are there for. This can be tough with hours of documentation or super-sized patient assignments. You went to nursing school for a reason, remember what it was (or is), it will help when things get tough.

7. Sharpen your people skills. The technical skills will come, but being able to communicate with your patients and other health care providers will be invaluable as you progress in your career.

8. Get to know your team. Nurses do not practice in a vacuum; take time to get to know the support personnel as well as the management and administration. Knowing these people is the best prevention of the "us vs. them" curse.

9. Remember the nursing profession offers almost endless possibilities. If your situation is not working out despite your best efforts, you have a multitude of choices.

10. Congratulations and welcome to the profession!

Source: Patricia McLaughlin, RNC, MSN, MPA, AWHONN Staff Nurse.