First RN job...nights

Ted · Feb 20, 2012

First, CONGRATULATIONS!!

:yeah:

Second. . . Yes! It is seems that most if not all new grads feel like the "don't know ANYTHING." The reality is that you don't know EVERYTHING. No one knows everything! However, remember that you do have a solid foundation of knowledge behind you otherwise you wouldn't have passed college and obtained your RN license. It's o.k. to give yourself credit for the incredible work of accomplishing all of that!!

Things to think about as you continue on with your nursing career. . .

The learning process never ends. There always seems to be something new to learn; new research; new policies; new procedures; new medications. Kind of keep a manageable amount of time to learn throughout your career.

You're simply not going to learn everything new all at once. There just simply not enough hours in the day. All good things come in good time.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. I'm more concerned about the person who doesn't ask questions. They don't know EVERYTHING. Heck, I don't know EVERYTHING and I STILL ask questions!

Spot that Caring and Experienced nurse with the SAFE time management skills. Watch and learn. And, again, ask questions. Maybe that person could work with you as a preceptor or mentor.

Be aware that some nurses don't make good preceptors or mentors. Not everyone is a teacher. It doesn't necessarily mean they're bad nurses or don't care. (Hopefully they still answer questions, though.)

Remember. . . it's a process. . . putting it all together. It doesn't happen over night. Again, all good things come in good time.

Regarding working nights: Guard your sleep time! Blacken the windows and cracks underneath the doors if light will bother your sleep. Remember to eat and eat healthily.

Finally. . . Begin to think about balancing your work life with your home life. Both are important! Both can not be neglected. Work can stay at work. Home can stay at home.

I am sure others will have more to share. We're rooting for you and all new grads!! Again, congratulations!

:w00t:

Rick68fl · Feb 20, 2012

I'm a brand new RN, and I start my 1st job tomorrow.
I'll be a staff RN on a med/tele floor, and after orientation I'll be on nights (7p-7a)
I am soooo nervous. I feel like I don't know ANYTHING. Please tell me this is normal...
Any tips/words of wisdom anyone has? Any tricks for working nights? These hours seem unnatural. Lol!

I am in the exact same boat!

I just passed the NCLEX on the 8th and started my new job on the 13th (orientation type stuff for the first week).

On Tues (2/21) I start on nights in the tele unit. I'm mostly worried about learning to sleep during the day. I have light-proofed my bedroom and figure once I get tired enough, I'll be able to sleep during the day.

Best of luck to you. Keep us posted!

NewRnRn · Feb 20, 2012

Thank you for the words of encouragement!

I start 1 week of hospital orientation tomorrow, then I orient on the floor on days for 4 weeks, then orient on the floor on nights for 4 weeks, then it's time for this baby bird to fly on nights.

A friend who graduated with me got hired the same day I did, same shift and floor...safety in numbers. Lol!

I precepted on this floor in school, so I know a lot of the nurses and doctors....just scared of screwing up, bothering people, and looking like an idiot.

mom35 · Feb 20, 2012

Congratulations to you! I graduated May 2011 and got licensed June 2011 and found my job in November. I am on my own starting tonight after twelve weeks of orientation. I started on day and switched to nights about three weeks ago. I like nights better so far, I am more awake and oriented in the evening. The challenge for me is on days off, I would like to do things during the day, but I need to heed to the work schedule in order not to get off track. The body needs some time to adjust. Also, I still dread the shifts with worries like"what if I miss a med, what if I dont finish charting until three hours after my shift", and on and on. I am actively working on changing those "what ifs" to "I wonder what new skills I get to practice tonight, I cant wait to sharpen my time management and prioritizing". For me, just perceiving things in a different way can make all the difference in how the shift will go. Also it is helpful to stay in the present moment, for instance if you know that your shift did not go so well and you have to come back the next day, dont let what happened color the shift that has yet to be. Just take one day at a time, one minute at a time and be absorbed in all you do. I think it is like so many on this site say-it will get better and soon the one year mark will pass and we will have learned so much, with a lifetime left of learning still yet to come. That is what makes me excited about the nursing profession, there is always so much room to grow! Best of Luck to you!!

joanna73, BSN, RN · Feb 21, 2012

I love nights. I've been on permanent nights for over a year. First, it works better for your health if you're able to maintain the same sleep schedule even on days off. If you're working nights, you need to sleep during the day. Buy blackout curtains. I also take melatonin to help regulate my circadian rhythm, as well as 2000 units of vitamin D every day. Exercise and healthy meals are very important. I cook on my days off so I have meals prepared for work. Hope this helps :)

april*rn · Feb 21, 2012

Congrats on the job!

Working nights, hmmm. Well, I don't love it, but I get by. Earplugs help. And I turn off my phone and put a note on the front door (Don't knock / ring bell or I will come out with a syringe/needle! JK).

I too feel like despite all that school, there is still so much to learn. A little anxiety is normal, a lot can hold you back, in my opinion. Ask questions, watch the experienced nurses and take notes.

Good luck!