Starting your nursing career can feel overwhelming—but you do not have to navigate it alone. Whether you're a new graduate nurse preparing for your first shift or a nursing student transitioning into practice, The New Nurse Survival Guide: The Essential Medical-Surgical and Psychiatric Nursing Handbook was designed to help you build confidence, improve organization, and provide safe, effective patient care. Written by an experienced nurse leader with backgrounds in medical-surgical nursing, behavioral health, corrections, and healthcare administration, this practical handbook combines real-world nursing knowledge with easy-to-use reference tools that can be applied immediately in clinical practice. Inside, you'll find: Common laboratory values and clinical implications Medical-surgical medications, monitoring requirements, and hold parameters Psychiatric medications, therapeutic drug levels, and laboratory monitoring Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS), Tardive Dyskinesia, Catatonia, and psychiatric emergencies SBAR communication and BIRP documentation examples Nursing care plans, progress notes, incident documentation, and provider notification templates Prioritization and time management strategies for busy shifts Admission, discharge, and end-of-shift checklists Brain sheets, report sheets, and organizational tools UTI recognition in children and older adults Critical assessments every nurse should know Professional development resources and specialty certification guidance Practical lessons and real-world advice that nursing school may not teach More than just a reference guide, this book serves as a mentor in your pocket—offering practical tips, clinical insights, and encouragement for navigating the challenges of your first years in nursing. Whether you work in medical-surgical nursing, psychiatric nursing, long-term care, correctional healthcare, rehabilitation, or another clinical setting, this handbook will help you stay organized, improve confidence, and strengthen your nursing practice. Your nursing journey is just beginning. Let this guide help you succeed from day one.
