[btown annie]

I signed the papers for my first job as a new grad today! I'll be working in the PCU at a trauma centered hospital in Louisville (7p-7a) and I have lots of questions.....any answers would be appreciated.

1. I'll be working 7p-7a. I'm kind of a young new nurse (24) and still full of energy......but how is this going to affect my life? I'm having a hard time coming up with a routine (sleep/wake/work cycle). Any suggestions?

2. I am completely nervous at this point. I start orientation on June 11. How do the nurses already on the unit usually respond to new grads? Also, is it normal for me to feel like I'm starting over again? I know that real world procedures are a lot different than textbook procedures. Will I learn a lot as I go?

3. What's the best way for me to get organized (r/t patient care) right from the start? It took me awhile to get into the flow of things in clinicals - especially with 5-6 patients at one time.

4. What's the best way to get ahead money-wise form the start? Is it better to pick up PRN in a different hospital (for tax purposes)? Or will I over-extend myself from the get-go if I go this route?

5. In preparing for the NCLEX, what are some ways to organize the information? THERE IS SO MUCH OF IT

THANKS IN ADVANCE!!

[Hoozdo]

Congratulations on the first job

You will find the answers to all of these questions right here in this forum with a little reading and searching.

Do NOT take a second per diem job to make more money in the first year. You will be stressed out enough as it is in your primary job. If you want to make more money, wait until you are done with orientation and work overtime in your own facility. It will take at least a year or two before you feel comfortable enough to work agency and walk into a new hospital cold.

[mom2michael]

Question #1 - there are TONS of topics on night shift and sleeping, etc...try doing a quick little search and be prepared to read. I work nights, I love it and I have more of a life than when I work days. I would put on a shopping list some black out curtains or tin foil, a fan and a phone that has a ringer that shuts off.

Question #2 - You are going to come across, in every single profession, people who just hate new people. Ignore them and concentrate your efforts on the people that want to teach, guide and support you during your orientation. NEVER, EVER say "I know how to do that" if someone offers you the chance to help with a procedure - go and learn.

Question #3 - Again, if you do a quick search you'll find some report sheets that others have shared here on this site. Take a couple with you to work and see how they work out for you. Talk to your preceptor, talk to your co-workers...find out what works for them. Be flexible the 1st few weeks.

Question #4 - For now, concentrate soley on the the NCLEX and your orientation. Get those things out of the way. After that - get a feel for the chances of OT and sign up for some. For me, even though I have around 6 months of actual RN experience, I have to work PRN at other jobs because OT is just not an option for us very often. Plus, I come from a very small, very rural facility, so my PRN jobs not only give me money but exposure to my field (ER).

5. There is an NCLEX forum which can answer the oodles of question you might have about the NCLEX. Practice, practice, practice and then practice some more is the best advise I can give you.

Good luck with the NCLEX and congrats on the new job!!!!