New Nurse Survival Checklist

Guide for New Nurses on a Busy Unit – Second Edition

New Nurse Survival Checklist

Name: ____________________________

Unit: ____________________________

Start Date: _______________________

Before Your Shift

☐ Arrive 10–15 minutes early.

☐ Bring your stethoscope, penlight, trauma shears, pens, notebook, and report sheet.

☐ Wear clean scrubs and comfortable, supportive shoes.

☐ Bring water and a healthy meal or snacks.

☐ Review common medications and diagnoses if you know your patient assignment.

☐ Take a deep breath and start your shift with confidence.

At the Beginning of Your Shift

☐ Receive a thorough handoff report.

☐ Introduce yourself to your patients.

☐ Write your name on the whiteboard.

☐ Perform a quick visual safety check on each patient.

☐ Ensure each patient is breathing comfortably and is not in immediate distress.

☐ Verify patient identification using two identifiers.

☐ Assess IV sites, oxygen, drains, and monitoring equipment.

☐ Check safety measures:

☐ Bed in lowest position
☐ Wheels locked
☐ Call light within reach
☐ Bed alarm if indicated
☐ Fall precautions in place

Review the Patient Chart

☐ Read provider notes.

☐ Review nursing notes.

☐ Check new physician orders.

☐ Review laboratory results.

☐ Review diagnostic tests scheduled today.

☐ Identify abnormal findings that require follow-up.

☐ Review allergies.

☐ Verify code status.

☐ Confirm diet orders.

☐ Check isolation precautions.

Prioritize Your Patients

☐ Determine who is most unstable.

☐ Identify time-sensitive medications.

☐ Plan your first medication pass.

☐ Identify treatments due during your shift.

☐ Anticipate admissions or discharges.

☐ Delegate appropriate tasks to the CNA or LPN.

During Your Shift

☐ Cluster care whenever possible.

☐ Reassess patients after interventions.

☐ Communicate changes promptly using SBAR.

☐ Administer medications safely using the Rights of Medication Administration.

☐ Monitor intake and output.

☐ Reposition patients as needed.

☐ Encourage mobility when appropriate.

☐ Practice infection prevention.

☐ Document in real time whenever possible.

☐ Ask questions if you are unsure.

Before Leaving Your Shift

☐ Complete all charting.

☐ Follow up on outstanding orders.

☐ Ensure medications are administered or addressed.

☐ Verify laboratory specimens have been collected.

☐ Complete dressing changes or treatments.

☐ Give a complete bedside handoff report.

☐ Ensure patient rooms are safe before leaving.

Remember Every Shift

☐ Patient safety comes first.

☐ Ask questions.

☐ Never guess.

☐ Trust your assessment.

☐ Communicate concerns early.

☐ Stay organized.

☐ Learn something new every shift.

☐ Give yourself grace—you are still learning.

Andrea's Clinical Pearl

"You don't have to know everything on your first day. Great nurses aren't afraid to ask questions, seek guidance, and continue learning. Every experienced nurse was once exactly where you are today."