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Ryley
Student
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Are new grad nurses prepared to know how to work in their environment?
Im a senior in high school and want to go into nursing. Today, for the first time, with no previous experiences, I shadowed an ICU nurse. It was a cool experience but scary with how much knowledge of machines, technology and charting you have to know how to work? I was truly wondering if any nurses out there can reassure how they feel about that when they were a new grad? Does nursing school truly prepare you for the experience of what to do and how to not bye lost? It just seemed like A LOT!
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5 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1913
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Ryley !
I am not a nurse but I do want to offer you some reassurance that Nursing School will definitely prepare you as well as workplace supervision, trainings, in-services and guidance once you start working as a nurse. And congratulations on your opportunity to shadow an ICU Nurse ! With patient confidentiality laws, liabilities and the hectic and sometimes emergency pace of an ICU, it is remarkable that you had the shadowing experience !
As for charting, all health care professionals need to know how to write clear and precise progress reports in the charts. It will come second nature to you and you will find the time to do it. Documentation is crucial. If you can write, you can chart, so no need to worry about that.
As for hands on working with patients, part of nursing school is working on fake (mannequins AKA dummies) and real simulated patients. When you work with a real person, an actor who is called a Standardized Patient, you will get experience in nursing school of what it is like. You actually can be a standardized patient and get paid for it now (it pays well) . Look into this at any of your local medical or nursing schools.
As for all those gizmos and machines and computers, etc., do not worry. You will learn everything gradually and I will bet that the basic ones will be taught to you in nursing school. Technology is always advancing so when any new devices, techniques or machines enter your work place, staff is trained with how to use them beforehand. You will learn one thing at a time, but seeing it all in action can be overwhelming. You will be fine.
If you want to do more now to advance your skills, go for a CPR class and renew your certificate every two years or when it needs to be renewed. They also have training with defibrillator, too. Check with your local Red Cross or your local hospital for trainings. You can also see if you can get certified in anything on line. The internet is full of ways to increase your knowledge and activity in preparation for your career.
Just remember that the nurses you've observed during shadowing have all been educated, trained and have been doing their jobs for a long time and one day that will be you too.
I hope that this has alleviated some of your worry and I wish you all the best with your academic and career plans !
TIPS ON BECOMING A NURSE https://yourteenmag.com/teens-college/how-to-become-a-nurse
I am not a nurse but I do want to offer you some reassurance that Nursing School will definitely prepare you as well as workplace supervision, trainings, in-services and guidance once you start working as a nurse. And congratulations on your opportunity to shadow an ICU Nurse ! With patient confidentiality laws, liabilities and the hectic and sometimes emergency pace of an ICU, it is remarkable that you had the shadowing experience !
As for charting, all health care professionals need to know how to write clear and precise progress reports in the charts. It will come second nature to you and you will find the time to do it. Documentation is crucial. If you can write, you can chart, so no need to worry about that.
As for hands on working with patients, part of nursing school is working on fake (mannequins AKA dummies) and real simulated patients. When you work with a real person, an actor who is called a Standardized Patient, you will get experience in nursing school of what it is like. You actually can be a standardized patient and get paid for it now (it pays well) . Look into this at any of your local medical or nursing schools.
As for all those gizmos and machines and computers, etc., do not worry. You will learn everything gradually and I will bet that the basic ones will be taught to you in nursing school. Technology is always advancing so when any new devices, techniques or machines enter your work place, staff is trained with how to use them beforehand. You will learn one thing at a time, but seeing it all in action can be overwhelming. You will be fine.
If you want to do more now to advance your skills, go for a CPR class and renew your certificate every two years or when it needs to be renewed. They also have training with defibrillator, too. Check with your local Red Cross or your local hospital for trainings. You can also see if you can get certified in anything on line. The internet is full of ways to increase your knowledge and activity in preparation for your career.
Just remember that the nurses you've observed during shadowing have all been educated, trained and have been doing their jobs for a long time and one day that will be you too.
I hope that this has alleviated some of your worry and I wish you all the best with your academic and career plans !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
This was a very helpful and reassuring response! I will continue, thanks for believing in me 🙌
Ryley
You are very welcome, Ryley ! :)
Michelle M.
Marlyce Campbell
Respiratory Therapist
42
Answers
WaKeeney, Kansas
Updated
Marlyce’s Answer
Hello Ryley,
As a seasoned Respiratory Therapist, I've had the privilege of working closely with nurses for many years. As a fresh graduate nurse, you won't immediately dive into working in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). That's a level of responsibility you'll gradually progress towards. Initially, you'll start your journey on the floor, likely in areas such as Medical/Surgical.
Once you've gained a solid foundation and mastered the basics, you'll have the opportunity to advance further, if that's what you desire. Regardless of whether you're a Respiratory Therapist or a nurse, the key is to apply what you've learned, and you'll continue to learn more as you gain more experience in your work.
Personally, I have a soft spot for Respiratory Therapy as it allows me to build deeper connections with my patients. The field of Respiratory Therapy is filled with numerous opportunities, including working in hospitals, clinics, flight services, education, and more. Nowadays, you can even further your studies and become an advanced practitioner in Respiratory Therapy!
Wishing you the best of luck. Don't hesitate to ask questions when you're shadowing - it's one of the best ways to learn!
As a seasoned Respiratory Therapist, I've had the privilege of working closely with nurses for many years. As a fresh graduate nurse, you won't immediately dive into working in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). That's a level of responsibility you'll gradually progress towards. Initially, you'll start your journey on the floor, likely in areas such as Medical/Surgical.
Once you've gained a solid foundation and mastered the basics, you'll have the opportunity to advance further, if that's what you desire. Regardless of whether you're a Respiratory Therapist or a nurse, the key is to apply what you've learned, and you'll continue to learn more as you gain more experience in your work.
Personally, I have a soft spot for Respiratory Therapy as it allows me to build deeper connections with my patients. The field of Respiratory Therapy is filled with numerous opportunities, including working in hospitals, clinics, flight services, education, and more. Nowadays, you can even further your studies and become an advanced practitioner in Respiratory Therapy!
Wishing you the best of luck. Don't hesitate to ask questions when you're shadowing - it's one of the best ways to learn!
Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to respond with advice, truly appreciated!
Ryley
Raquel Davis
Registered Nurse, premed student
148
Answers
Providence, Rhode Island
Updated
Raquel’s Answer
There's a common phrase in the nursing community 'nursing school teaches you how to pass the NCLEX not to be a nurse.' And while this is a generalization, it has merit. Nursing school will teach you everything you need to know about the most common disease processes and nursing care throughout the hospital. It will also teach you safety and prioritization. But textbooks and exams will never teach you the intricacies of the actual job. No matter what school you go to there will be a lot of on the job training and learning when you are a new grad. Every hospital has a new-grad transition to practice program that typically lasts for two months. During this time you are preempted by an experienced nurse who is there to help guide and teach you. By the time you finish your preceptorship you should feel fully confident and competent to safely care for your patients. But, the nursing school that you choose to attend can also make this transition easier. Some schools focus solely on bookwork and not clinical skills, but really good nursing schools teach you all of the pertinent clinical skills and procedures you'll encounter. You will also get experience throughout nursing school in the clinical setting working with a licensed nurse. That's where you'll get to practice time management, workflow, patient interactions, and clinical skills. I would recommend doing your research on potential schools to find one that prioritizes this hands on learning because it will definitely make the transition to practice easier. But remember, your colleagues will always be there to help you when you need it.
Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to respond with advice, truly appreciated! Would you say you love your job and its worth it?
Ryley
Yes I think it's worth it, and I do love my current job. One of the best things about nursing is how much variety there is within the field. It can take some trial and error with different specialties or even organizations, but there are so many options out there you can definitely find one you love!
Raquel Davis
Godfrey Magawe
Clinical officer nephrology
121
Answers
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Godfrey’s Answer
That's a good concern,for sure they will already be familiar with hospital environment and with good orientation at work they will find it easy to cope with the new work environs
Thank you for giving me advice.
Ryley
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6338
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Ryley,
Transitioning from Nursing School to the Workplace
Nursing school prepares students for the real-world experience of working as a nurse. However, the transition from a classroom setting to a hospital or clinic environment can be challenging, especially for new grad nurses. In this section, we will discuss how nursing school prepares students for their careers, the challenges they face, and the support available to help them transition smoothly into the workplace.
Nursing School Preparation:
Nursing schools offer a comprehensive curriculum that covers various aspects of patient care, including medical knowledge, communication skills, and clinical experience. Students learn about different diseases, medications, and treatments, as well as how to work with various medical devices and technology. They also participate in clinical rotations, which expose them to different healthcare settings and allow them to work alongside experienced nurses.
Challenges Faced by New Grad Nurses:
Despite the rigorous training provided by nursing schools, new grad nurses may still find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their job. Some common challenges include:
Adapting to a fast-paced environment: Nursing school prepares students for the speed and complexity of a hospital or clinic, but it may still be a shock to experience it firsthand.
Managing multiple tasks simultaneously: Nurses are responsible for coordinating care for several patients at once, which requires excellent organizational skills and the ability to multitask.
Learning new technologies and medical devices: As mentioned in the question, new nurses must become proficient in using various machines and medical devices, which may be unfamiliar to them.
Dealing with stressful situations: Nurses often encounter emotionally challenging situations, such as witnessing patient suffering or delivering bad news. They must learn to manage their emotions and provide support to patients and their families.
Support for New Grad Nurses:
To help new nurses transition smoothly into the workplace, many hospitals and healthcare facilities offer orientation programs, mentorship opportunities, and ongoing education. These programs provide additional support and guidance to help new nurses feel more confident and capable in their roles.
Authoritative Reference Titles:
“Transition to Practice: A Review of the Literature” (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22038461) This article reviews the literature on the transition from nursing school to the workplace, highlighting the challenges faced by new grad nurses and the support available to them. It serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the experiences of new nurses and the steps taken to ensure a smooth transition.
“Preparing New Graduate Nurses for the Workplace: A Systematic Review” (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25371268) This systematic review examines the various strategies employed by nursing schools and healthcare facilities to prepare new graduate nurses for the workplace. It provides valuable insights into the most effective approaches to ensure new nurses are well-prepared for their careers.
“Supporting New Graduate Nurses: A Review of the Literature” (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25990026) This article reviews the literature on the support provided to new graduate nurses, including orientation programs, mentorship opportunities, and ongoing education. It highlights the importance of these support systems in helping new nurses succeed in their careers.
Don't forget to read my autobiography, paying attention to the foods that provide all the essential nutrients for effective studying. You might discover that you can accomplish twice as much academic work in half the time. Your performance in exams and assignments could also improve, especially if your diet has significantly improved. Replenishing missing nutrients can do wonders.
GOD BLESS YOU,
[BECAUSE HE CAN AND WILL]
James Constantine.
Transitioning from Nursing School to the Workplace
Nursing school prepares students for the real-world experience of working as a nurse. However, the transition from a classroom setting to a hospital or clinic environment can be challenging, especially for new grad nurses. In this section, we will discuss how nursing school prepares students for their careers, the challenges they face, and the support available to help them transition smoothly into the workplace.
Nursing School Preparation:
Nursing schools offer a comprehensive curriculum that covers various aspects of patient care, including medical knowledge, communication skills, and clinical experience. Students learn about different diseases, medications, and treatments, as well as how to work with various medical devices and technology. They also participate in clinical rotations, which expose them to different healthcare settings and allow them to work alongside experienced nurses.
Challenges Faced by New Grad Nurses:
Despite the rigorous training provided by nursing schools, new grad nurses may still find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their job. Some common challenges include:
Adapting to a fast-paced environment: Nursing school prepares students for the speed and complexity of a hospital or clinic, but it may still be a shock to experience it firsthand.
Managing multiple tasks simultaneously: Nurses are responsible for coordinating care for several patients at once, which requires excellent organizational skills and the ability to multitask.
Learning new technologies and medical devices: As mentioned in the question, new nurses must become proficient in using various machines and medical devices, which may be unfamiliar to them.
Dealing with stressful situations: Nurses often encounter emotionally challenging situations, such as witnessing patient suffering or delivering bad news. They must learn to manage their emotions and provide support to patients and their families.
Support for New Grad Nurses:
To help new nurses transition smoothly into the workplace, many hospitals and healthcare facilities offer orientation programs, mentorship opportunities, and ongoing education. These programs provide additional support and guidance to help new nurses feel more confident and capable in their roles.
Authoritative Reference Titles:
“Transition to Practice: A Review of the Literature” (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22038461) This article reviews the literature on the transition from nursing school to the workplace, highlighting the challenges faced by new grad nurses and the support available to them. It serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the experiences of new nurses and the steps taken to ensure a smooth transition.
“Preparing New Graduate Nurses for the Workplace: A Systematic Review” (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25371268) This systematic review examines the various strategies employed by nursing schools and healthcare facilities to prepare new graduate nurses for the workplace. It provides valuable insights into the most effective approaches to ensure new nurses are well-prepared for their careers.
“Supporting New Graduate Nurses: A Review of the Literature” (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25990026) This article reviews the literature on the support provided to new graduate nurses, including orientation programs, mentorship opportunities, and ongoing education. It highlights the importance of these support systems in helping new nurses succeed in their careers.
Don't forget to read my autobiography, paying attention to the foods that provide all the essential nutrients for effective studying. You might discover that you can accomplish twice as much academic work in half the time. Your performance in exams and assignments could also improve, especially if your diet has significantly improved. Replenishing missing nutrients can do wonders.
GOD BLESS YOU,
[BECAUSE HE CAN AND WILL]
James Constantine.
Thank you for the advice.
Ryley