Top Ten Tips from Nurses Nurses all have valuable advice and tips, but some tips are considered the most common, and considered the top ten. 1. Expect the unexpected- never think you can anticipate how your shift will go, or how a patient will respond. As soon as you do, you will quickly be proven wrong. No two shifts are ever the same, and no two patients are the same. Assuming that you can anticipate what, a patient will do or how they respond is never a good idea. When a person is hospitalized, they are most likely stressed and not feeling well. Their reactions can be erratic and unpredictable. Under normal circumstances they may be a calm and rational person, however in a very stressful situation they may be very unpredictable. 2. Always be there to help your coworkers. Not only is that the right thing to do, but when you need assistance, they will be there for you. Nursing is very often a team effort, and one patient may end up requiring multiple nurses to move them, or aid in walking. In general, most nurses are quick to volunteer their help, and quick to expect help when needed. Maintain a great working relationship with your coworkers and help out when needed, you can expect to get the same in return. 3. Check, check, and re-check. This applies to many things you do as a nurse. Documentation is very important and must be done during your shift, and finished up at the end of your shift. With the introduction of electronic documenting, spell check, and human error in typing can often make for more errors than writing in charts. As you enter information, go back and check it. At the end of your shift go back over the entire day and check everything you entered to be sure it is all accurate. Medications can do wonders for a patient, however they can also cause harm if not administered correctly. Follow protocol when giving drugs to patients, and run your own method of checking to be sure it’s the right patient, right medication, and right method of administering. 4. Dress comfortably and professional. Of course, you want to look professional, but comfort is very important as well. Make sure you invest in good quality and well-fitting scrubs with plenty of pockets. Also, don’t forget the shoes you will wear for 12 hours at a time, this is not an area to save money on, you need great support for your feet. Related: How to Deal with Work Gossip