1 Comment so far

1. nan on October 6, 2009 1:38 am

   Follow the 5 rights to medication administration, you will be fine. Use two patient identifiers at all times. If you have a question about a medication keep a med book handy and look up the answer. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your advisor, she/he is a wealth of information. The IV starts are kind of scary at first but in time you will become comfortable with it. With assessments start with your abc’s, then go from head to toe. Look at everything in the room (ex: oxygen, nebulizer tubing, look for foley catheter). Know your patients diagnosis prior to entering the room. Morning report should give you all this. If patient diagnosis is CHF look for signs of it: purple nailbeds etc. If patient has cast on arm check circulation in hand, nailbeds, and check for edema. Make sure the cast is not compromising if there is edema present. Just adding a few pointers to help you know what to look for. It is a positive sign that you are worried at this point, shows you care and will try your best. The ones that are not worried tend to overlook important details. Now relax, you will be fine!!!