Lauren
In nursing school, professors and instructors have invaluable insight as they have spent several years (or among most of them, decades) working at the bedside. Their perspectives embody countless hours in the clinical setting with patients in various fields. Entering the clinical sphere and asking questions to other nurses can be intimidating, but professors are there to help you and provide advice to help you avoid mistakes they may not have.
"Protect. Your. Back."
This is one of the most important pieces of advice that should be ingrained in your mind upon graduation. Injury is one of the top reasons why people leave the nursing profession, so ensuring your body mechanics are always protecting you back is crucial to set yourself up for a long career. Nursing can be an extremely physical job, and with large patients and constant transfers, can take a major toll on your body. Put the safety of you and your patient at the forefront, grab more help when transferring a patient, and lift with your legs!!!
"Wear compression stockings."
This was something that I heard about upon starting clinicals, but I wasn't sure if it was actually a practice people stuck to. Although not all nurses wear them, seasoned nurses often stress the importance of compression socks to boost circulation, reduce leg swelling, avoid orthostatic hypotension and prevent varicose veins. I plan on investing in a few pairs once I start full-time, I'm sure I'll be happy I did when I'm older!
"You'll regret if you don't eat something before clinical."
My professor for OB always used to repeat this motto. She always had the most hilarious anecdotes, but was adamant about having a breakfast before 6:45 am report. She shared that she had more than one student sent to the ED after passing out in a patient room (it's a mandatory policy), so I made sure to take this information to heart to avoid being "that" student.
"Now is the time to learn all you can."
This one may sound obvious, but the two short years in clinical flies by faster than you imagine. You should take every day at clinical as an amazing opportunity to learn, regardless of how tired or stressed you may be. Leave everything at the door when you step into clinical, listen closely to nurses and providers to learn all that you can, ask to perform skills you never have, and go off-unit to see other disciplines if you have the chance! Now is the time to take advantage of all of these cool opportunities, so don't let them pass you by.
"Advocate for your patients, but also advocate for yourself."
We're taught to always be an advocate for our patients, which is undoubtedly a vital role of the nurse to ensure the patient is receiving appropriate care. However, advocating for oneself as a person is just as important. As a nurse, conflict may occur with other staff members, including fellow nurses, management, and providers, so it is crucial to speak up (always in a calm and respectful manner) if you feel as though you are receiving unfair treatment or are not being heard.
"Treat your patients how you would treat an ill family member."
This piece of advice has shifted my philosophy of patient care in many ways. Is my care up to the standards I would expect if this patient were one of my parents or grandparents? Would I be proud of the care I delivered if this person was a loved one? This adage has guided my practice, especially since starting a job in patient care, and it has truly made me a better future nurse.
Inevitably, nursing school will not teach you everything you need to know about the profession before graduation. Confidence and wisdom will come with experience! For now, take the lessons your professors teach you to heart and the rest will come with time. You got this!
Comments