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Congratulations! You’ve made it through nursing school and now you’re learning even more as you start your new job. There’s a saying that nurses learn more in their first year working than they do during their whole nursing school education! You know what? That’s likely quite true. But it doesn’t have to be scary or overwhelming.
The net is chock full of videos that can help new nurses adjust to being prepared and being an effective, safe nurse.
Here are our three favorites:
Packing the perfect work bag
How to report at change of shift
How to reduce errors
Packing the perfect work bag
Just as we needed a well-packed bag for school, we need a well-prepared work bag. This is something you can pick up as you rush out the door, knowing you have everything you need for your shift. But since you can’t have a magic bag like Mary Poppins does, Taquita Love made a video that shows night nurses some things that might be helpful.
How to report at change of shift
The report at change of shift can set the tone for the nurses coming in for the next shift. Develop good reporting habits and avoid the bad ones with this 10-minute video that gives three report scenarios. Maybe you’ll recognize your own habits or those of a coworker!
How to reduce errors
There’s nothing worse than that “oh no!” feeling that overcomes you when you’ve made a mistake in patient care. Everyone makes mistakes—but when you’re a nurse, your mistakes can mean the difference between life and death. The best approach is to avoid situations that can contribute to errors. Many med errors happen because drug names sound alike or a popular drug comes in more than one brand name. The FDA put together this video that shows you how the problems can happen:
As a new nurse, you do have a lot to learn, but you have a lot to offer, too. So if you start feeling down about all that you don’t yet know, think about what you do know and what you’re bringing to your new profession. Chin up!
See all our favorite videos on the Scrubs Magazine YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/ScrubsMagazine!
For more Career Advice for Nurses pick up the latest issue of Scrubs magazine, available at a retail store near you!
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