10 Words of Wisdom for New Nurses

5. Honesty is the best policy.

If a patient asks you how long you’ve been a nurse, be honest. You’re not fooling anybody. If you don’t know something, say so, then vow to find out the answer. This, too, happens every day.

6. Don’t volunteer information.

I say this not because patients are stupid or mean. I say this because if you give somebody too much information, it can be truly overwhelming. Stick to answering the questions you’re asked, like “How long until I can shampoo?” or “When will my stitches come out?” Don’t go into a dissertation on possible side effects that only occur in 0.1% of the population. This is a lesson I learned the hard, hard way.

7. Fake it.

Act confident and friendly, even if fear makes you want to throw up and pass out. Eventually you will feel confident and friendly. In the meantime, nobody else will have to deal with your vomit or prone body.