Dedicated and competent nurse preceptors are vital to the success of health care organizations and to the retention of nurses in the profession. Yet clinical teaching and supervision is a skill that must be developed; a knowledgeable and experienced practitioner does not automatically become a successful nurse preceptor. This pithy reference guide for nurses in the preceptor role is brimming with information about how to successfully educate, protect, socialize, and evaluate nurses transitioning into a new environment. In an easy-access, bulleted format, this resource helps preceptors to establish clinical objectives, execute evaluation and feedback techniques, identify role responsibilities, develop positive communication skills, and develop effective teaching/learning strategies. The guide addresses the qualities of a good preceptor, communication and delegation skills, and the importance of evidence-based practice for the preceptor role. It discusses how to prepare new nurses for the reality shock of entering a new arena, and how to recognize and help the preceptee who is struggling. Nurse preceptors will gain insight into how to assist preceptees in organizing their clinical day and prioritizing their responsibilities. From suggestions in conflict resolution and bullying to aids in developing critical thinking skills to advice on completing relevant documentation, this guide helps new nurse preceptors to provide a well-orchestrated orientation that will ensure a positive experience for novice nurses and the subsequent delivery of quality, patient-centered care. Sample competency forms and clinical tools add to the bookís utility, as well. Key Features: Delivers vital information on all aspects of successful nurse preceptorship in a concise, easy-access format Includes evidence-based content throughout Provides guidance on identifying and developing successful nurse preceptors Addresses organization, prioritization, delegation, effective communication, conflict resolution, and the development of critical thinking skills Offers key information on competency assessment and evaluations A special ìPreceptorís Problem Solverî chapter addresses clinical issues unique to the nurse preceptorís role

This quick-access guide for novice nurse preceptors walks through, step-by-step, how to successfully orient new nurses to the hospital environment. Preceptors are key to staff retention, job satisfaction, improved quality of care, patient safety and transition to practice. For the busy novice nurse preceptor who believes they do not have the time or preparation to be a nurse preceptor, Fast Facts for the Nurse Preceptor, Second Edition explains all the requisites for demonstrating, guiding, and mentoring new nurses through the process of delivering safe, evidence-based, patient-centered care. The second edition builds upon the foundation of the first to address more complicated challenges preceptors face. While reviewing the basics like shift organization, prioritization, communication, delegation, and conflict resolution, this orientation guide delineates the essential qualities of a competent preceptor and their primary responsibilities. It discusses the knowledge and skills a successful preceptor must impart to new nurses while acclimating to a variety of teaching and learning styles. Chapters discuss how to recognize the warning signs of a struggling preceptee, work through a preceptee’s “transition shock,” and help new nurses to develop critical thinking skills. Abundant case studies highlight common and challenging precepting situations. New to the Second Edition: Updated with FIVE completely new chapters: Selection, Education, and Retention of the Preceptor Preceptee Learning and Preceptor Teaching Styles The Challenging Student Precepting the Accelerated BSN and Advanced Practice Nurse (APRN) The Unsafe Preceptee and How to Avoid “Failure to Fail” Key Features: Helps preceptors to serve as excellent role models, mentors, and teachers for new nurses Offers quick-access, step-by-stop guidance with short paragraphs and bulleted information Uses case studies to highlight both common and challenging precepting scenarios Includes evidence-based content throughout Contains competency assessment and evaluation forms

Print+CourseSmart

"The book is clearly written and concise and uses sidebars to highlight core concepts." Score: 90, 4 stars --Doody's Because ER nurses need to think fast and act fast... Fast Facts for the ER Nurse is an orientation guide and reference, designed specifically for new ER nurses and the preceptors responsible for their orientation. The chapters provide a brief overview of equipment, treatments, and drugs used to manage common disorders and conditions frequently seen in the ER. Critical information presented in each chapter includes disorder definitions, signs and symptoms, interventions, and critical thinking questions. With this guide, nurses can get the information they need fast in bullet-point lists. Each chapter is conveniently organized alphabetically by disease and disorder for quick access. The book serves as an organized, reliable, and thorough ER guide, ensuring a structured approach to orientation. All new ER nurses and their preceptors will find this book to be a reference they cannot do without. Key topics covered include: Cardiovascular Emergencies Disaster Response Emergencies Infectious Disease Emergencies Mental Health Emergencies Shock and Multisystem Trauma Emergencies Substance Abuse and Toxicologic Emergencies And many more!

This newly updated, quick-access guide for critical care nurses covers the most common admitting diagnoses and reviews their causes, signs and symptoms, and interventions. Critical care nursing requires astute assessment, adept communication, and the ability to multitask, as well as a high degree of adaptability. In the ICU, patient status and plan of care change constantly, presenting multifaceted problems for nurses and healthcare providers. This authoritative resource, with bulleted, bite-sized content, provides information to the busy ICU nurse in a heartbeat. Fast Facts for the Critical Care Nurse, Second Edition, has been updated with the most current evidence-based guidelines and standards. Now organized by body system, this reference presents the latest treatment modalities and provides quick access to lab values and hemodynamic parameters. Part I introduces the foundations of critical care. Part II progresses by body system to cover common procedures and interventions. Part III covers patient- and family-centered care, discussing palliative directives and organ donation. New to the Second Edition: Seven completely new chapters Chapter reorganization by body system Updated to include newest treatment modalities Speedy access to appendices with common lab values, hemodynamic parameters, IV medications, and EKG rhythm examples Key Features: Provides quick access to essential information needed on a daily basis Includes Fast Facts boxes to help guide the reader Authored by a respected nurse leader, educator, and AACN/Wharton Executive Leadership Fellow

Written for registered nurses in orientation, this concise, user-friendly resource provides a complete picture of all components of excellent patient care on a busy medical-surgical nursing unit. It covers assessment, key clinical skills/procedures, and documentation of care in an easily digestible, bulleted format. Time-tested guidance about new nurse orientation to professional practice includes ìproven pearls for success.î Content is current and evidence-based, and reinforces previously mastered skills in ìkey points to rememberî sections. The theme of ìthe big pictureî of patient care is a consistent thread throughout. Clinical chaptersóorganized by body system for easy reference--present common conditions seen in medical-surgical nursing and unit emergencies, along with focused assessments, lab work overview, related procedures and skills, a documentation guide, and common medications including those for pain management. Chapters also cover pre-operative and post-operative care for all conditions. Several ìmust-have sectionsî include an orientation guide describing what new nurses can expect as they embrace their new role. This section addresses co-workers and supervisors, finding a mentor, hourly rounding, HIPAA reminders, and telephone skills/customer relations. Another section is devoted to all aspects of infection control, and an appendix provides a wealth of resources and supporting information of particular value to the new nurse. Key Features: Provides concise, user-friendly, evidence-based guidance about the ìwhole pictureî of nursing on a medical-surgical or sub-acute unit Presents a unique orientation section offering ìproven pearls for successî Contains focused assessment guides, skills overview, documentation tips, and medications for common medical-surgical conditions and emergencies Addresses pre- and post-operative care and pain control Covers important protocols regarding infection control

A succinct yet comprehensive reference tool for cardiac surgery nurses, this new addition to the Fast Facts series provides quick access to frequently used information regarding the care of cardiac surgery patients. It encompasses the timeline from pre-op to recovery period, with a special focus on the prevention and management of commonly seen post-op complications. The book addresses surgical treatments for coronary artery disease, valve disease, descending aortic aneurysms, and congenital heart disease in adults, and covers patient presentation and diagnostic tests, immediate and extended post-operative period care, cardiac rehabilitation programs, and patient education. Intended for daily use, this reference not only contains important guidelines for all nurses caring for cardiac surgery patients, but reinforces highly specialized skills and supports the development of new skills. It will be highly valuable to new graduates and nurses who are considering a switch to cardiac care, as well as seasoned practitioners. Key Features: Provides a handy pocket reference for new and experienced cardiac care nurses Clearly organized for easy reference to equipment, procedures, and pre- and post-op specialty care Includes ìFast Facts in a Nutshellî feature to help guide the new nurse Pays special attention to the differences between CHD and manifestations of other heart disease states Pinpoints sensitive nursing indicators and ways to improve patient care

What type of degree do I need to become a nurse practitioner? How do I choose the right clinical preceptor? How can I best prepare for my first year of practice? Written for those considering NP practice, current NP students, and newly certified NPs alike, this quick, easy-to-use manual covers everything there is to know about transitioning into the NP role, its rewards, and its challenges. This second edition includes several new chapters, covering electronic health records, the impact of health care reform, promoting the NP role, and choosing a doctoral program. All of the original chapters have been revised or expanded, with updated key points, tables, and vignettes supplying cutting-edge knowledge and skills to help new NPs excel. The only resource of its kind, this book guides the reader through the entire process of becoming an NP, from the initial decision to the selection of the right educational program to licensure. It discusses the contractual relationship with institutions and related health providers, along with legal and administrative issues. Currently practicing NPs offer words of wisdom on how to survive the first year of practice, and stories from the author and her colleagues provide an intimate look at everyday realities. Organized for easy access to information and filled with humor, the book features learning objectives, quizzes, checklists to facilitate decision making, and other helpful tools. Fast Facts in a Nutshell boxes highlight need-to-know information, and useful tips and resource lists provide information on scholarships, certification, professional organizations, and networking. New to the Second Edition: The dos and doníts of electronic health records Surviving health care reform today and tomorrow Marketing the NP role to the nursing profession, employers, and the public The terminal degree in nursing: PhD, EdD, or DNP? Revised and expanded information in all chapters Updated key points, vignettes, and tables Nadine M. Aktan, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, received her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in nursing from Rutgers University College of Nursing and Graduate School in New Brunswick and Newark, New Jersey. She is currently chairperson and associate professor at William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey, teaching future nurses and nurse practitioners. She also practices as a family nurse practitioner at the Immedicenter, an urgent care/family practice with locations in Clifton, Bloomfield, and Totowa, New Jersey, and as a maternal–child community health nurse for Valley Home Care in Paramus, New Jersey.

Print+CourseSmart

This book is a Fast Facts for students considering the NP track, NP students, and new NPs - a quick all-in-one read that features what you "really need to know"about NP education and practice. It incorporates humor and real-life examples, useful tips, comparative salary tables, and other ready to access resources, such as professional organizations, networks, associations, and websites. Included is discussion on the history of the nurse practitioner (NP) role and the coming practice degree, the DNP. It contains insight coming directly from experts in the field. Key Features The "all-in-one," fast facts for potential or current NP students and newly practicing NPs Explores reasons to become a nurse practitioner Clarifies NP education hurdles: from choosing the right program to selecting the best clinical preceptor, and more Offers suggestions on how to survive the first year of practice Discuses contractual relationships with institutions, doctors and related health providers Outlines legal/malpractice issues Explores the DNP degree as the coming mandate for NP practice Features personal stories from the author and colleagues in a straight-from-the-shoulder style Includes check lists to facilitate important decision making, and charts/tables with "hot topics" or key elements