5 Tips for New Graduate Nurses Getting Started With Their Career

by | Monday, February 27, 2023

Starting a new job as a graduate nurse can be an intimidating experience, but with the right advice, support, and tips mentioned in this post, you can make the most of your new career.

Table of Contents

  1. Here are five tips to help you navigate the challenges of being a new graduate nurse:
  2. 🙋🏼‍♂️ Ask Questions and Seek Help
    1. ⏰ Time Management
      1. 👥 Build Relationships with Your Colleagues
        1. 🍀 Maintain a Growth Mindset
          1. 🥸 Focus on Patient-Centred Care

            Here are five tips to help you navigate the challenges of being a new graduate nurse:

            🙋🏼‍♂️ Ask Questions and Seek Help

            Don’t be afraid to ask questions and reach out for assistance when needed. Everyone was once a new graduate nurse, and it can be comforting to know that you are not alone in this journey. Your colleagues, supervisors, and mentors can provide valuable insight and support to help you succeed. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of your resources.

            Extra Tip: Have a system for your continued learning and growth. Clinical and non-clinical.

            ⏰ Time Management

            Being mindful of your time and prioritising your tasks is an essential part of being a successful new graduate nurse. Make sure to take regular breaks and pace yourself to avoid burnout. Prioritising your work, taking breaks, and developing good time management habits will help you stay on top of your workload.

            Extra Tip: This is unique to you! Developing nursing skills is an ongoing and dynamic process. Check out the podcast I recorded with the Two Humerus Nurses, where time management was the theme of the recording. I share the same resource I used as a student with my students and graduates, and they find it helps them to reduce distractions and focus on categorising their patients’ care. Download Your Copy.

            👥 Build Relationships with Your Colleagues

            Building positive and supportive working relationships with your colleagues will make your work environment more enjoyable and help you learn from each other. It is important to build relationships with your peers and supervisors in order to get the most out of your job.

            Extra Tip: Start this in your first year of nursing! If you are serious about nursing, then commit to it and network with others. You have a lot of chances to make connections and build a network for your future at university and on placements. In the third year and beyond, attend conferences at least annually in your field and interest area. You are here now in your graduate year, continue to build on the relationships you have and develop new ones along your path.

            🍀 Maintain a Growth Mindset

            Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and continuous learning. Stay open-minded and willing to try new things. Don’t be afraid to take risks and challenge yourself.

            Extra Tip: You will always be learning something new. Be inquisitive and enjoy the fun of learning with others while performing your job. It’s ok if you do not like something, especially if you have given it a try and enjoyed the journey. It’s all about experience first, then identifying second, and finally choosing what aligns with you.

            🥸 Focus on Patient-Centred Care

            Always put the patient first.

            Focus on giving your patients good care with compassion and building good relationships with them and their families. As a newly graduated nurse, it’s important to give your patients good care and get to know them well.

            Extra Tip: Concentrate on this and work from there. This will help you with the environment as the stresses, people, and workload change to focus on what is truly a priority and of concern to your patient and yourself.

            These tips can help you become a successful and well-rounded new graduate nurse.

            With a bit of hard work and dedication, you can make the most of your new career.

            Head out and have a great time!

            Remember to savour the experience!

            You’ve earned it!

            Take a moment to dive into your progress, learning, and growth.

            Reach out if you need anything 😃

            Mastering Time Management in Nursing: Using the CURE Tool to Prioritise Critical, Urgent, Routine, and Extra Tasks

            by | Monday, February 27, 2023

            In nursing, time management is essential to providing quality care to patients.

            One valuable tool that can help you prioritise tasks and manage your time effectively is the CURE tool.

            CURE stands for Critical, Urgent, Routine, and Extra tasks.

            With this framework, you can organise your work and focus on getting the most important tasks done first.

            Article Quick View ⤵️

            🚨Critical

            Critical tasks are those that are essential to patient care and safety. They require immediate attention and should be your top priority.

            Examples of critical nursing tasks may include:

             

              • Administering medications to a patient experiencing a life-threatening reaction

              • Responding to a patient who has stopped breathing and performing CPR

              • Assessing and managing a patient who is experiencing a rapid decline in health status

              • Responding to a patient who has fallen and is showing signs of a head injury

            🤔Urgent

            Urgent tasks are those that have a deadline or need to be done quickly but are not life-threatening. They require prompt attention and should be completed after critical tasks.

            Examples of urgent tasks include preparing a patient for surgery, completing documentation, and responding to a patient’s call light.

            Examples of urgent nursing tasks may include:

             

              • Administering medications on time to ensure the patient’s pain is managed effectively

              • Assisting a patient who is experiencing shortness of breath

              • Responding to a patient who has pressed the call bell to ask for help with using the bathroom

            ⌚️Routine

            Routine tasks are those that are done on a regular basis but do not require immediate attention, such as taking vital signs or performing a bed bath. While these tasks are important, they are not as critical or urgent as other tasks. Routine tasks should be completed after critical and urgent tasks.

            Examples of routine nursing tasks may include:

             

              • Performing daily patient assessments to monitor for changes in health status

              • Administering medications at scheduled times (excluding medications for pain/diabetes, these would be urgent)

              • Assisting patients with activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing

              • Documenting patient care in the electronic health record

            🥱Extras

            Extra tasks are those that are not essential but may be helpful. Examples of extra tasks include restocking supplies, organizing a patient’s room, and completing non-urgent paperwork. These tasks should be completed last if time allows.

            Examples of extra nursing tasks may include:

             

              • Attending staff meetings to discuss patient care and unit operations

              • Participating in continuing education activities to maintain nursing licensure and competency

              • Completing administrative tasks such as ordering supplies and completing paperwork

              • Participating in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient care and safety

            Example of the CURE tool used in the Emergency Department

            Applying the CURE tool in a practical scenario:

            You are a nurse working in a hospital’s emergency department. You have four patients assigned to you, and each has different needs. One patient is experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath, another patient requires a dressing change for a wound, a third patient needs a medication refill, and the fourth patient needs assistance with using the bathroom.

            Using the CURE tool, you would identify the chest pain patient’s care as critical and attend to them immediately. Next, you would treat the patient who requires a dressing change as urgent to prevent an infection. Afterwards, you would attend to the medication refill for the third patient, as it has a deadline. Finally, you would assist the fourth patient in using the bathroom, which is a routine task.

            Overall, using the CURE tool can help you prioritise your tasks effectively and manage your time wisely. By doing so, you can provide better patient care, reduce stress, and prevent burnout. Remember, critical tasks are always your top priority, followed by urgent tasks, routine tasks, and extra tasks last.

            🤩 Download Your Copy Of CURE

            Examples of CURE

            Intensive Care

             

              • Critical tasks: Responding to a patient who is experiencing cardiac arrest, managing a patient who is experiencing sepsis or septic shock, performing interventions to manage a patient with a rapidly deteriorating condition, and managing a patient with a compromised airway.

              • Urgent tasks: Administering medications to manage a patient’s blood pressure or oxygen saturation, responding to alarms or changes in vital signs, and assisting with procedures such as inserting a central line or changing a ventilator setting.

              • Routine tasks: Assessing and monitoring patients, administering medications on schedule, performing daily patient care tasks, and documenting patient care in the electronic health record.

              • Extra tasks: Participating in multidisciplinary rounds and care conferences, participating in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient outcomes, and attending unit meetings to discuss patient care and unit operations.

            Emergency

             

              • Critical tasks: Responding to a patient who is experiencing a life-threatening allergic reaction, performing CPR on a patient who has gone into cardiac arrest, managing a patient who has experienced a traumatic injury, and responding to a patient who is experiencing an acute asthma attack.

              • Urgent tasks: Administering medications to manage a patient’s pain or anxiety, performing triage assessments to determine the severity of patients’ conditions, and responding to a patient who has sustained a minor injury and requires urgent care.

              • Routine tasks: Assessing and monitoring patients, performing wound care and other routine interventions, and documenting patient care in the electronic health record.

              • Extra tasks: Participating in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient outcomes, attending meetings to discuss patient care and unit operations, and participating in continuing education activities to maintain nursing licensure and competency.

            Anaesthesia

             

              • Critical tasks: Monitoring a patient’s vital signs during surgery, responding to a patient who is experiencing a complication related to anaesthesia, and managing a patient who is experiencing an adverse reaction to medications.

              • Urgent tasks: Administering medications to manage a patient’s pain or anxiety, responding to changes in a patient’s condition during surgery, and assisting with procedures such as intubation or insertion of a central line.

              • Routine tasks: Preparing patients for surgery, assessing and monitoring patients before and after surgery, and documenting patient care in the electronic health record.

              • Extra tasks: Participating in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient outcomes, attending meetings to discuss patient care and unit operations, and participating in continuing education activities to maintain nursing licensure and competency.

            PACU

             

              • Critical tasks: Managing a patient who is experiencing postoperative complications, and responding to a patient who is experiencing respiratory distress or other urgent issues after surgery.

              • Urgent tasks: Administering medications to manage a patient’s pain or nausea, monitoring patients for postoperative complications such as bleeding or infection, and responding to changes in a patient’s condition after surgery.

              • Routine tasks: Assessing and monitoring patients, providing wound care and other routine interventions, and documenting patient care in the electronic health record.

              • Extra tasks: Participating in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient outcomes, attending meetings to discuss patient care and unit operations, and participating in continuing education activities to maintain nursing licensure and competency.

            Surgical

             

              • Critical tasks: Responding to a patient who is experiencing a life-threatening complication during surgery, managing a patient who is experiencing hemorrhage or other urgent issues during surgery, and performing emergency procedures such as chest tube insertion.

              • Urgent tasks: Administering medications to manage a patient’s pain or anxiety, preparing patients for surgery, and assisting with procedures such as wound closure or insertion of a urinary catheter.

              • Routine tasks: Assessing and monitoring patients, providing wound care and other routine interventions, and documenting patient care in the electronic health record.

              • Extra tasks: Participating in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient outcomes, attending meetings to discuss patient care and unit operations, and participating in continuing education activities to maintain nursing licensure and competency.

            Mental Health

             

              • Critical tasks: Responding to a patient who is experiencing suicidal ideation or intent, managing a patient who is experiencing a psychotic episode or severe agitation, and responding to a patient who is experiencing a medical emergency while in a mental health crisis.

              • Urgent tasks: Administering medications to manage a patient’s anxiety or agitation, responding to patients who require crisis intervention or de-escalation, and monitoring patients for adverse medication effects or changes in mental status.

              • Routine tasks: Conducting patient assessments, administering medications as prescribed, facilitating group therapy or other therapeutic interventions, and documenting patient care in the electronic health record.

              • Extra tasks: Participating in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient outcomes, attending meetings to discuss patient care and unit operations, and participating in continuing education activities to maintain nursing licensure and competency.

            Community

             

              • Critical tasks: Responding to a patient who is experiencing a medical emergency, managing a patient who is experiencing a sudden decline in health status, and responding to a patient who has sustained an injury or acute illness while at home.

              • Urgent tasks: Administering medications to manage a patient’s pain or other symptoms, responding to patients who require urgent medical attention, and providing education and support to patients and families.

              • Routine tasks: Conducting patient assessments, providing wound care and other routine interventions, administering medications as prescribed, and documenting patient care in the electronic health record.

              • Extra tasks: Participating in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient outcomes, attending meetings to discuss patient care and community health initiatives, and participating in continuing education activities to maintain nursing licensure and competency.

            Medical

             

              • Critical tasks: Responding to a patient who is experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, managing a patient who is experiencing sepsis or other acute medical conditions, and performing emergency procedures such as intubation or chest tube insertion.

              • Urgent tasks: Administering medications to manage a patient’s pain or other symptoms, responding to patients who require urgent medical attention, and monitoring patients for adverse medication effects or changes in health status.

              • Routine tasks: Conducting patient assessments, administering medications as prescribed, providing wound care and other routine interventions, and documenting patient care in the electronic health record.

              • Extra tasks: Participating in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient outcomes, attending meetings to discuss patient care and unit operations, and participating in continuing education activities to maintain nursing licensure and competency.

            General Practice

             

              • Critical tasks: Responding to a patient who is experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, managing a patient who is experiencing a sudden decline in health status, and performing emergency procedures such as CPR or defibrillation.

              • Urgent tasks: Administering medications to manage a patient’s pain or other symptoms, responding to patients who require urgent medical attention, and providing education and support to patients and families.

              • Routine tasks: Conducting patient assessments, administering medications as prescribed, providing wound care and other routine interventions, and documenting patient care in the electronic health record.

              • Extra tasks: Participating in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient outcomes, attending meetings to discuss patient care and unit operations, and participating in continuing education activities to maintain nursing licensure and competency.

            Aged Care

             

              • Critical tasks: Responding to a patient who is experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, managing a patient who is experiencing a sudden decline in health status, and performing emergency procedures such as CPR or defibrillation.

              • Urgent tasks: Administering medications to manage a patient’s pain or other symptoms, responding to patients who require urgent medical attention, and providing education and support to patients and families.

              • Routine tasks: Conducting patient assessments, administering medications as prescribed, providing wound care and other routine interventions, and documenting patient care in the electronic health record.

              • Extra tasks: Participating in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient outcomes, attending meetings to discuss patient care and unit operations, and participating in continuing education activities to maintain nursing licensure and competency. Additionally, some specific nursing tasks may include assisting patients with activities of daily living such as dressing and bathing, monitoring for changes in cognitive function and mental status, and communicating with family members and other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care.

            Apply To The 2023 New Graduate Fellowship Program

            by | Sunday, August 7, 2022

            🏥 New Graduate Nurses Seeking Hospital Positions

            🤩 Exciting times for new graduate nurses!

            It’s time to apply for all of the programs available to new graduate nurses for 2023.

            There is a great program opportunity that closes THIS WEEKEND!

            Read on 🤓

            Ok, you have decided you would like to pursue a new graduate position in a hospital, commencing your career as a hospital nurse while developing yourself as a clinician 👩🏼‍⚕️👨‍⚕️

            You have applied for your state or territory health areas, such as NSW Health for everyone in NSW and so on. This is one of the many options available to grads seeking to commence their career in the hospital setting.

            Many do not realise, that Ramsay is the biggest private hospital provider in Australia AND is one of the most popular and prestigious healthcare providers internationally. They have hospitals in every state and territory of Australia as well as internationally in countries including the UK, Singapore, Italy and even France!

            🤩 Graduate Fellowship Program with Ramsay

            📅 Applications Close August 14th!

            Dont miss out!

            There are many reasons to consider an alternate hospital new graduate program such as Ramsay Healthcare. Ramsay offers a new graduate program they now refer to as a fellowship program. This is a great alternative for you to look at! Let’s have a look at a couple of advantages:

            • The fellowship runs over 24 months and you are able to work full or part-time depending on what works for you.
            • At the end of the 24-month period, you are offered a position with the organisation based on your performance.
            • Opportunity to complete rotations in the general ward, theatres, critical care (ED and ICU) and specialised services such as oncology and many others.
            • Opportunity to gain experience all over Australia
            • Opportunity to travel and work internationally, on another continent such as Alaska or somewhere like Singapore, Italy, the UK or even France!

            Think about what you are interested in and what will fuel you to turn up, learn and do your best, each and every day.

            Have you thought about it?

            Have a think and if you are aiming for a hospital new graduate role, consider Ramsay Health.

            After all, I completed a Theatres New Graduate Position and loved every moment 😜

            You could too, CHECK IT OUT 👇🏼

            Ramsay Careers Details – RHC Graduate Fellowship Program – Nursing & Midwifery February 2023 Intake

            If you decide to Apply

            Mention the Aussie Nurse Educator sent you.

            Thanks for reading and enjoy your day.

            😁

            Learn about CVs – What they are, the different types, tips and more!

            by | Thursday, July 7, 2022

            In this blog, you will learn about CVs, what they are, what they contain, and six tips on how important they are to you!

            Topic Areas

            Learn about CVs 📚

            CVs are critical components of your application as you attempt to land an interview.

            What does CV stand for?

            A CV (or curriculum vitae) is a marketing tool that you present to prospective employers in order for them to consider you for a current or future opportunity, program or position.

            What is a CV?

            A CV is more formal than a resume and is more common in Australia. It should be no more than two pages for job seekers with limited experience and no more than four pages for those with more experience.

            What does it include?

            The CV is a document that includes some basic personal information as well as a summary of your education, qualifications, work experience, interests, and accomplishments.

            Some professional CV writers recommend including a career objectives or goals section, but whether that is appropriate depends on where you are in your career or what type of role you are applying for.

            Tips ✔️

            The ultimate marketing advertisement – Imagine this…

            Think of the CV like it’s a brochure. The brochure will list the benefits of purchasing or using a particular service. The product they are leasing and service they are getting or potentially getting is…you!

            Boom!

            Your CV is your first point of contact with potential employers and is essential for getting your ‘foot in the door’ for an interview.

            Design it well and make it easy to read…

            Everything is about visual appeal! Remember, this is a marketing document for you. It might get you a foot in the door… with that in mind… we need to make it appealing to read. How? Simple but effective designs! Simple fonts with lots of white space! You can make this a hard copy (which you will most likely need for the online systems and initial application) or electronic and/or digitally accessible.

            The consequences of designing your CV without using a template… A poorly executed and presented CV that fails to convey relevant information, makes it difficult to read and may limit your ability to secure an interview.

            Ask yourself – Would you give yourself a position?

            Consider your CV from the perspective of an employer when developing and writing it. Would you stand out from the crowd (i.e. other candidates), and would the manager want to speak with you based on the information in your CV?

            The more the BETTER!

            When you’re just starting out in your career, getting an interview is critical because it allows you to expand on your CV and sell yourself despite your lack of experience. When it comes to applying for jobs, don’t do it one at a time or, worse, only apply for one position. Complete multiple applications to increase your chances and gain extra practice.

            After delivering the documents and application – Deliver YOU and deliver you well!

            If you are invited for an interview, you are then in a fantastic position to explain and expand on what is in your CV and use your interpersonal skills to help secure the position. Don’t slow down here. Make sure you know what it takes to deliver yourself well at the interview.

            Structure and Types of CVs 📝

            Different CV Formats

            There are numerous CV formats that you should be familiar with in order to create and design the most purposeful CV possible. As an undergraduate, new graduate, or experienced nurse, your CV and application will be slightly different.

            Without Experience CV

            The purpose of this CV is to demonstrate the candidate’s ability and potential. What they offer in particular may differ from that of other candidates. Typically, they have little or no experience (less than two years) and may still be in school. As a result, it is necessary to focus on inherent abilities, knowledge, academic achievements, qualifications, acquired responsibilities, volunteer work, travel/trips, languages, and so on. There may be no Job / Work History section.

            Professional CV

            A professional CV is written for people who have at least 5 years of experience and are in intermediate positions with significant responsibility levels. It focuses on the achieved objectives, problem-solving, applied abilities, promotion, and development of the career to date. In this case, studies may be less important than gained experience.

            Executive CV

            Executive CVs are used by people in high-level positions. It focuses on the goals achieved as a senior manager or champion of some area with significant leadership and problem-solving experience, which may include project development, use of abilities, and team motivation. To summarise, they should emphasise their competencies and how they apply them.

            Chronological CV

            The most commonly used CV format does not always make obtaining an interview easier.

            The academic education and experience are presented in inverse chronological order, beginning with the most recent or most recent work, then the previous ones, and finally the studies.

            The disadvantages of this format are that it can display any periods of inactivity (months, years) and/or frequent changes in work. This frequently leads to the candidate filling these spaces with irrelevant information for the position.

            It emphasises a person’s advancement in the workplace: promotion and increased responsibilities are reflected, which has the disadvantage of revealing if a person, despite being very effective and satisfied with their role, has not ascended or taken on more responsibilities.

            When to use a chronological resume: If you have extensive professional experience, have not been out of work for an extended period of time, have not changed jobs frequently, and are looking for work in the same industry.

            Advantages: The format is traditional, and most hiring managers regard it as simple to read and understand. It demonstrates job security. It reflects your increased responsibilities and/or advancement. It emphasises the type of position you held and the companies for which you worked. It describes your responsibilities and accomplishments.

            Disadvantages: It highlights any changes in the company or “job-hopping.” It allows the reader to either work out or concentrate on the age of the candidates. It could indicate a lack of recycling or updating training. It reflects any inconsistencies in work activity.

            Functional CV

            The Functional CV avoids the disadvantages of the Chronological CV type and allows for the display of abilities and achievements obtained, even if the dates in the work experience are not continuous, aiding in the concealment of periods of inactivity or successive similar jobs without promotion. When you want to highlight your professional career or enter a completely different activity, the type of company and/or studies are irrelevant but your abilities, capacities, and type of work are.

            If you want to highlight your abilities over the course of your work experience, you can use the Functional CV. If you want to return to the job market after a long absence. If there are numerous periods of unemployment between jobs. If you’ve changed jobs frequently. If you want to work in a completely different industry. If you believe your age will be a barrier (“very young, very old”). If you have worked as a freelancer or self-employed person. If you are a recent graduate with no prior experience.

            Advantages It demonstrates the individual’s abilities and strengths. It enables you to highlight the skills and knowledge that are most relevant to the position you seek. It eliminates the repetition of roles in similar positions. Flexibility in presenting/displaying your person and achievements. Useful in new technologies, such as the Internet, telecommunications, media, and public relations. You can discuss abilities, interests, and motivations that you do not always use in your work but could.

            It does not highlight the names of the companies for which you have worked. The length of time spent in each position is unimportant. It restricts the job description and responsibilities.

            Combined CV

            CV formats that combine the formats (chronological and functional CVs). The functional format of the CV is followed by the chronological format. The combined format is more difficult to write and more complex, but it has the advantage of emphasising the candidates’ experience and abilities for the new position they are applying for, as well as reflecting their experience and training in a dynamic format.

            An advantage includes it clearly demonstrates that you know what you want to do and that you have the skills required for the position. It includes the section “Achieved Goals.” It allows for greater flexibility and creativity in displaying abilities. It aids in obtaining a specific position.

            Disadvantages You’ll need a different summary for each job you apply for. It takes a long time. It removes information about your skills and experience that you may prefer to keep private if you are applying for multiple positions at the same company.

            Thanks for reading the blog!

            I would love for you to join the mailing list with the rest of us.

            Interested?

            Let me know 😁

            New Nurse in Peri-Anaesthesia? Check out these TIPS!

            by | Sunday, March 13, 2022

            Hey Friends,

            Today’s blog is for new graduates and new nurses who have landed a position in peri-anaesthesia, or you are a nurse who is interested to give this fantastic clinical area a go. As many of you know, I am not only a peri-anaesthesia nurse specialist; I also completed my new graduate year in anaesthetics and recovery! This blog post is sure to provide you with plenty of value as you learn the clinical specifics and progress with your journey in peri-anaesthesia nursing.

            I wanted to share the key areas in peri-anaesthesia nursing with you and what I found helpful to learn as I progressed in the area. We will look at what I found helpful starting as a grad, including the knowledge, skills, hints, tips and more!

            Let’s have a look!

            Important Aspects of Peri-Anaesthesia Nursing

            • A breakdown of the important aspects of peri-anaesthesia nursing for new nurses – a FREE guide for YOU!

            The Role of the Peri-anaesthesia Nurse

            Anaesthesia Nurse

            The anaesthetic nurse is the assistant to the anaesthetist. They:

            • prepare the environment and equipment for the patient
            • prepare equipment for administering the anaesthetic
            • receive the patient into the operating room, establish rapport by asking and answering any questions, and check identification and consent
            • communicate relevant patient information to the other members of the intra-operative team, both nurses and doctors
            • assist with intra-operative patient monitoring and ensure the patient’s safety, comfort and warmth
            • assist the anaesthetist at the end of the procedure as the patient emerges from the effects of anaesthesia.

            Position statement on the assistant for the anaesthetist – CLICK HERE

            Knowledge and skills

            The anaesthetic nurse requires:

            • good assessment skills
            • a knowledge of anaesthetic methods, anaesthetic agents and equipment
            • an understanding of fluid balance and respiratory monitoring, cardiac monitoring and haemodynamic monitoring, and the ability to identify any changes that may have impact on the patient
            • knowledge of airway anatomy and physiology, airway management strategies and anaesthetic complications.

            Becoming an Anaesthesia Nurse – Education pathway

            This role is suitable for both registered and enrolled nurses. Registered nurses need to complete a Bachelor of Nursing degree and a postgraduate degree that focuses on anaesthetic nursing. Enrolled nurses need to complete a Diploma of Nursing that includes medication administration and a Diploma of Anaesthetic Technology.

            Post-Anaesthesia Care Nurse

            The Post Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU) nurse receives the patient into the PACU (also known as the recovery unit). They:

            • undertake respiratory, cardiovascular and neurological assessment and monitoring as the patient recovers from the effects of anaesthesia and surgery
            • monitor emergence from anaesthesia, dressings, intravenous lines and drainage tubes
            • implement and document post-operative treatment regimes including pain management.

            Knowledge and skills

            The PACU nurse requires:

            • strong knowledge of and ability to manage post-operative complications and respond to patient deterioration quickly and efficiently
            • advanced airway management skills
            • the ability to quickly recognise respiratory compromise and take necessary action
            • excellent assessment skills
            • strong knowledge of pain management methods and medications
            • excellent communication skills
            • the ability to work as an effective member of a multidisciplinary team.

            Becoming a Recovery or Post-Anaesthesia Care Nurse – Education pathway

            This role is suitable for registered nurses who have completed a Bachelor of Nursing degree and a postgraduate degree that focuses on post-anaesthetic care.

            Enrolled nurses who have completed a Diploma of Nursing that includes medication administration may work in second-level recovery care where patients require a period of supervised monitoring, privacy for the discussion of procedural outcomes and discharge instructions, bathroom facilities and provision of food and fluids. Criteria for discharge from second stage recovery include pain and nausea control manageable with oral medications, return of cognition to pre-procedure levels, and the ability to be mobile safely.

            Pharmacology (including GA + Muscle Relaxants & Reversal) used in Anaesthesia & Post-Anaesthesia Care

            Different types of anaesthesia – General, sedation, local, regional, combination

            Main anaesthesia medications

            Muscle relaxants – depolarising and non-depolarising

            Patient Monitoring

            Invasive monitoring – CVL, ART

            5 Lead cardiac monitoring

            Capnography

            Common Respiratory Complications

            Recognising & managing these complications

            Acute Pain Management

            Comprehensive pain assessment

            PQRST pain assessment

            Multimodal Pain Management

            Emergencies in the Peri-operative Environment

            Look at the management of these emergencies:

            • Anaphylaxis
            • Local anaesthetic toxicity
            • Malignant Hyperthermia
            • Difficult Airways – Cannot Intubate, cannot oxygenate
            • Laryngospasm

            Patient Assessment

            • Respiratory
            • Cardiovascular
            • Neurological
            • Neuro-vascular
            • Circulatory
            • Fluid Balance

            Caring for the Patient having Regional Anaesthesia

            • What are they?
            • Why are they used?
            • What are the benefits?
            • How do they differ from GA & sedation?
            • Can you have a GA &/or sedation with regional anaesthesia?
            • What are the differences between these types of regional anaesthesia?
              • Epidural
              • Spinal
              • Major joint
              • Extremity

            Study Guide for your Journey in Peri-Anaesthesia

            Knowledge Areas

            Foundational knowledge to brush up on prior to starting or to reflect upon along the journey within the first few weeks to build confidence and nail your skills!

            • Specific Roles of the anaesthetic and post anaesthetic care unit nurse
            • Pharmacology utilised for general anaesthesia, sedation, local and regional blocks
            • Monitoring a patient before, during and after anaesthesia
            • Respiratory complications
            • Airway anatomy + physiology
            • Airway assessment + management
            • Acute pain management
            • Peri-operative emergencies
            • Patient Assessment
            • Caring for patients who have had regional anaesthesia
            • Devices and equipment utilised in peri-operative and peri-anaesthesia clinical practice
            • Medications:
              • Propofol
              • Midazolam
              • Opiates: Fentanyl, Morphine, Hydromorphone, Alfentanil, Remifentanil, Buprenorphine
              • Ketamine
              • Droperidol
              • Dexamethasone
              • Ondansetron
              • Parecoxib
              • Paracetamol
              • Atropine
              • Ephedrine
              • Metaraminol
              • Rocuronium
              • Suxamethonium
              • Clonidine
              • Epinephrine
              • Neostigmine
              • Sugammadex
              • Desflurane
              • Sevoflurane
              • Isoflurane
              • Oxycodone
              • Targin
              • Tramadol
              • Ropivacaine

            Skills

            You will be exposed to, practice and develop advanced nursing skills surrounding airway, breathing, circulation, disability, pain and exposure. Familiarise yourself with these clinical skills in peri-anaesthesia and identify your roles as an anaesthetic or recovery nurse.

            Airway Skills

            Basic airway management skills for Nurse’s video

            CLICK HERE

            Skills covered include:

            • Chin lift, jaw support, head tilt and jaw thrust
            • Non-invasive airway management devices – oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal airways
            • Differences with Adults vs children & infants

            Airway Management

            • Suctioning
            • Airway cart and equipment
            • Suction airway
            • Assist ETT Intubation with manual and video laryngoscopes
            • Cricoid pressure
            • Verification of ETT placement: CO2 detector, auscultation, CXR
            • Use of bag-valve-mask
            • Assist with tapes
            • Insertion LMA

            Clinical Competencies

            The required clinical competencies ranges and depends on the specific clinical area you are in and the type of peri-operative services the hospital provides.

            Common competencies include:

            Anaesthesia & Post Anaesthesia Care Nurses:

            • Patient Assessment
            • Patient Monitoring
            • Management of the unconscious and semi-conscious patient
            • Airway management including the removal of LMA upon the emergence of GA
            • Assisting anaesthetists
            • A-G patient assessment
            • Manage pain and primary assessment complications in the immediate post-operative stage
            • Manage the thermic state of the patient
            • Use various pieces of equipment for the care of the patient including:
              • Use of doppler
              • PCA
              • Transducers
              • Chest drains

            Non Clinical Skills

            Communication Teamwork Time Management

            Resources for the Anaesthetic Nurse

            • Emergency Department Notes
            • Handover from Emergency Team
            • Pre-operative Assessment
            • Progress Notes
            • The patient

            Resources for the PACU Nurse

            • All of the above
            • The patient (sometimes)
            • Anaesthetic Record
            • Anaesthetic Handover
            • Scrub Nurse Handover

            Getting prepared

            I was always searching for the best and up to date information. Along the journey, I found and developed some great resources. I decided to collate them all together here in one place for us all to enjoy!

            Check it 👇🏼

            🔥 The Ultimate Resource List 🆓

            HERE

            Rory’s experience as a Grad in Peri-anaesthesia

            I was a New Graduate in Peri-anaesthesia straight out of University. Now, I am a Clinical Nurse Specialist & Clinical Nurse Educator. I have previously worked as a peri-operative Clinical Nurse Educator.

            CLICK HERE to hear about my journey, from a University Student Registered Nurse to New Graduate Registered Nurse.

            Advice for New Nurses, Grads and Students!

            by | Sunday, January 30, 2022

            Hey Friends!

            We are still living through the effects of covid. The stresses have stemmed all the way down the chain, to the newest and freshest in our profession. Our new nurses, graduates and students are feeling increasingly overwhelmed with the prospect of stepping into the hospital and out onto the floor, some for the very first time. This extra worry and anxiety is not helping us to be the best we can for ourselves and our patients.

            There has been so many people reach out for advice, help and support over the past 2 weeks. I have helped some individually through DM’s however it is hard to keep up and I want to help you all! There has been some absolutely invaluable advice flying around the gram at the moment. This is amazing to see us all help each other during these challenging times. What is very interesting with the advice, is that it is very consistent. It is advice I have been given over the years, advice I have given to my students and everyone (including grads and students) are also sharing this same great advice!

            I put this blog together to share this great advice, to provide support and help that we all need at some point. There are also some amazing brands, businesses and accounts I have added for you to check out which may help you along your journey.

            Before we start, just remember….YOU HAVE WORKED HARD AND YOU HAVE GOT THIS! 💪🏼

            Now I know some of you have started…prematurely due to staffing shortages etc with the current climate, some of you start tomorrow and others next week. Either way, you are amazing and this blog is for you!

            Let’s take a look at the top questions I have been asked 👇🏼

            Top themes of the questions asked by the community included:

            • Starting new graduate year and program
            • Starting grad year with no much experience with a system that is stressed and stretched with resources and capacity
            • How to survive new graduate year?
            • Transitioning into clinical practice
            • Medications – how to avoid errors, medication calculation tips/tricks & resources

            I will be covering the above topics in this blog post below! The areas below were also some popular questions and areas. These will be covering these in future content shortly!

            • Medication calculations and maths
            • Starting in anaesthetics and PACU
            • Starting in peri-operative
            • Preparing for graduate year on the surgical wards
              • Gynaecology & ENT
              • Orthopaedic
              • Vascular

            My TOP 15 pieces of advice for new nurses, grads and students!

            Advice for all Nurses including grads…

            1. No one expects you know everything! Or anything really.
              • We just want you to be confident, look after you, give 100% and PRACTICE SAFELY. How do you do that? Be guided by your training and who you have become! Take deep breaths, seek support and ask questions (when you need to maintain you and your patients safety).
            2. You have worked so hard!
              • You have completed your degree! All the training, done! Have trust in yourself, the training you have done, and your ability! You’ve got this!
            3. Remember you are a new graduate registered nurse, NEW GRADuate.
              • You are there to work, as an autonomous registered nurse, while you develop your confidence, knowledge, skills and gain experience. You do this with the guidance of your graduate program and support network on your ward.
            4. Look at your learning outcomes and skill objectives, and concentrate on them.
              • You are still and will always be learning! You have graduated as a student and are now an autonomous and a safe practicing registered nurse. Keep developing, learning and growing by increasing your knowledge, improving your skills and developing new skills.
            5. Be you, learn, develop and grow, have fun and seek those clinical and career opportunities!
              • You are amazing! Continue to be you!
              • Enjoy the journey and make the journey yours.
              • Follow what you love and are interested in!
            6. Seek help
              • We are always here to help!
              • Reach out whenever you need. You can use nurses on the floor, mentors, educators and your managers.
            7. Help out
              • Help others where you can, ask questions where you need and practice the skills you are developing. Practice with other nurses on your ward who are competent in the skills, until you are competent and confident with them!
              • Make an effort to integrate with your ward socially to further develop your relationships and support networks with your team.
            8. Find a buddy & mentor
              • Find that one buddy that is a nurse you can hang with, chat with. Maybe you are lucky enough to even work together on the same ward or shifts!
              • You will need a good mentor! Everyone does! Whether it is a family member, friends, another nurse or a paid coach. A mentor who can help guide you, your thoughts, your actions, goals and achievements, as you move forward is so important!
            9. Find a social group
              • These can be so invaluable for supporting each other and sharing resources! I was part of a FB group as a student for each year of my degree and also as a graduate nurse for the graduate program at my hospital. It was awesome to stay in touch and share stories, resources etc with each other. If there isn’t anything like this you can also create it!
            10. You deserve respect
              • You are the newbie on the floor however, people should say hello and not be rude to you, you deserve respect. Be confident and speak out about this behaviour and seek the help of your mentors. You are still learning while working with them as equal Registered Nurses.
            11. The learning journey continues
              • There is always something to learn and something to do! Attend an education session, create some educational content yourself. Practice your skills, chat to other nurses and chat with your patients. There is so much you can learn from someone by having a conversation and listening to them. Whether they are a nurse, relative or patient you will learn something!
            12. Look after yourself!
              • I cannot stress the importance of looking after yourself and your wellbeing! Also knowing yourself and working with your needs. Get the rest you need! Eat healthy food, drink water and get plenty of exercise! I love to do daily exercise as well as my new found love, meditation! I use the headspace app! Check it out!
              • Take your breaks during your shifts. This is a big one, make sure you take your breaks!
            13. Big process and challenge!
              • This will be a massive process, don’t underestimate the journey or the growth and you will adapt – you’ve got this! Nursing is a unique profession and is tough. You chose it for a reason and now you have a challenge. Moving from theoretical learning to stepping into the clinical environment to practice all of those awesome skills is hard.
            14. Reflect!
              • Take time to reflect on your shift, what has happened, how you felt, how you responded and how you acted… what you could have done done and what you could do better next time, by learning from this experience. I highly recommend documenting your journey in an app like DayOne or something. The power behind reflecting in journalling is very powerful 🔥🚀 – give it a go!
            15. Connect with your passion
              • Find the why! WHY did you start nursing? Connect with the deep and meaningful aspects of you! Be intentional with your thoughts, actions and reflections and do what truely matters, changes and develops you!

            Some specific advice for students…

            We do not expect a thing from you!

            Come in and say hey! Get to know us and join in with us caring for our patients. Ask us questions and let’s develop, learn and grow together!

            Remember you are a student and you are there to learn!

            You are there to develop your knowledge, skills and spend time in the clinical environment doing this under the guidance of experienced nurses. Sometimes they try and get you to ‘work’ but you are a student there to learn!

            When on placement, looking at your learning outcomes and skill objectives is a very useful to guide your learning. You have goals to achieve while you are there. Get in and get them done! Plan, do, achieve.

            Be you, learn, have fun and seek those clinical opportunities!

            Yes, nurses and the environment is a little more stressed at the moment, however you need to learn. Maximise you’re learning opportunities by being confident, asking questions and taking control of your education and progress.

            Seek help

            If you do not know something, just ask. We are all there to help each other. We will not know if you do not ask.

            Help out

            Help where you can, ask questions where you need and practice the skills you are developing until you are competent and confident with them.

            You deserve respect

            You are not there to be a slave, people should say hello and not be rude to you. Be confident and speak out about this behaviour and seek the help of your mentors.

            Advice from the ANE Community

            Liam – High Performance Nursing – Website + Instagram + Podcast

            Nurse Coach, Leader & Podcaster

            1. Start by getting to know yourself on the deepest level possible, with clarity comes confidence and it will serve your whole career!
            2. Be kind to yourself, the goal is never to know it all, it’s to get 1% better each day- you are doing awesome. Be a curious learner and be prepared to be wrong!
            3. Be careful who you listen to and turn to for advice in your career. Seek those who have done what you want to do and ask them all the questions!
            4. Finally, find a coach outside of your workplace to help empower you, gain clarity and help you overcome the inner critic! No one will ever provide that support in the workplace- they simply don’t know how!

            Lastly,

            Sample, sample, sample – create your own path!

            AND

            Growth lies at the other side of your comfort zone! Go get it!

            Nurse Mil – Instagram + Podcast

            Podcaster & Recently graduated New Grad – heading into transition year 2!

            You need to utilise the educators and other nurses and ask them questions, ask for help and debrief. I think we also need to acknowledge that the media is hyping up this code brown, the code brown does not necessarily mean you’re going to get less support and you’re going to struggle as a new nurse.

            I know that many people have anxiety regarding that but I think we need to remember that the hospital you’re doing your grad year still has that duty to provide a supportive environment and it may be different to usual programs, but you are not alone and no one expects you to know everything! Other nurses, especially grads (because they know how you are feeling), are the best people to debrief with. Unfortunately people not in the medical profession, just don’t understand and will not be able to offer you the debrief you truely need. So make a group chat with other grads and chat away!!

            From the Aussie Nurse Educator

            Nurse Mil also just completed her new graduate program!

            Mil has been guiding and supporting junior nurses throughout her experience and with her podcast.

            Mil also wrote a recent post on instagram that every graduate nurse needs to read!

            Check it out HERE.

            Georgia – Nurse Sibs – Website – Instagram

            Cardiac CNS, Mentor and Manager + Business Owner (all things cardiac nursing!)

            Don’t expect to know everything in the first week – give yourself time and be kind to yourself.

            You will learn something new every single shift, experienced nurses still do also, so don’t think of this as a negative or reflection on you!

            Remember that I started at the same place, so don’t put so much pressure on yourself. Your grad year is there for a reason, it’s a year where you are supported because being a brand-new registered nurse is challenging and there are things you won’t know, and things you wouldn’t have seen before.

            Basically, just go easy on yourself and do your best!

            Deanne – The Balanced Nurse Au – Website + Instagram + Facebook

            Nurse Coach and Mentor

            My best advice is always about keeping balance.

            It can be tempting to fall into the culture and habits nursing has in places that aren’t balanced or healthy. Learn good habits early like bringing nutritious food, staying hydrated and taking breaks. And don’t feel pressured to say yes to more shifts or over time – “no” is a complete sentence. I have lots more but these things I think are key 😊

            Beth – Autonomic Nurse – Website + Instagram

            Nurse Mentor

            Always remember to make your life off shift a priority. It will be tempting to immerse yourself in your new career, but this is short term thinking. Focus on setting up sustainable habits if you want to remain free of burnout. This means not picking up extra shifts, making time for leisure, meal prep and seeing non nursing friends. Also work on increasing your non clinical skills (ie your personal development like communication and mindset).

            The clinical skills will come with your work on the ward but the non clinical stuff you will need to work on yourself.

            Find a mentor!

            Xana – Nourished Nurse – Website + Instagram + Podcast

            Nurse, Podcaster & Traveller!

            Becoming a new nurse can be a roller coaster.

            It is important to remember that nursing is a 24/7 job and you can’t do it all, and that’s okay.

            If you put your best foot forward everyday and do your best that is all you can ask of yourself.

            Ask for help.

            Reach out to your colleagues if you’re struggling, I promise that your team will appreciate you saying something rather than nothing at all.

            Make sure you establish some balance in your life. Don’t live to work but work to live and enjoy life outside of work. It is easy to get caught up in working long hours in nursing but burnout happens real quick so be good to yourself. Look after yourself on your days off and plan things you love to do, or just sit and watch Netflix! Never feel guilty for prioritising yourself.

            Chat to other nurses, chat to us! There are so many people out there who have been through exactly what you’re going through and we may look like we got it all together but we don’t.

            We’ve all been on this journey so never hesitate to reach out for help. There is strength in numbers. AND HAVE FUN! Nursing is such an awesome career and helping change lives is beyond incredible.

            Enjoy it. Savour the moments 💗

            Cynarra – HealthInsightHQ – Website + Instagram

            Nurse Facilitator & Mentor

            Remember it’s ok not to have everything worked out at the start.

            If you haven’t picked a speciality, if you don’t feel confident or feel that you don’t know everything medically on shift. I think we have all felt like that.

            It’s important to ask for help and talk to other nurses to debrief.

            Give yourselves some credit and remember what you have already achieved!

            Also know that you can leave a workplace and find a new job if you aren’t happy. There were times where I felt I had to stay at workplace, or felt I wasn’t experienced enough to apply to jobs. But your own happiness is important! Apply for a job you want, don’t stay in a toxic environment. Put yourself first!

            Enjoy the journey!

            Lauren – Nurse Coach & RN – Instagram

            Don’t ever be afraid to ask questions or the opinion of another RN. Many new nurses worry that asking a question will make them look stupid, unprofessional, like an imposter… And yet even after 30+ years I still confer with another RN for their opinion at times. I never think poorly of someone asking a question/opinion. It shows courage and confidence and I worry about the ones that never ask questions. This is all about knowing and owning your value no matter where you are on your nursing journey.

            Final Wrap

            Thank you to this amazing community of absolutely fabulous nurses!!

            The students, grads and new nurses – thank you for reaching out! I have thoroughly enjoyed chatting with you all!

            I am always here and you have done amazing so far and will continue to do so!

            Go chase that WHY and have FUN while you do it! The world is your oyster!

            To the other nurses, educators, leaders and others – thank you for your help, support, advice and love you have given me, this page and business and most importantly, the COMMUNITY here!

            As always, I am here – comment on this blog post, send me a DM or message – whenever you want or need!

            All the best for 2022 everyone – don’t forget to 👇🏼

            Have FUN & ENJOY – Rory 😁