[PeanutVCCSN]

So I graduated nursing school and passed the NCLEX, now I'm starting my first job tomorrow. :hatparty: I'm SO excited and I'm also SO scared. I'll be working on a med/surge, yes by choice, and I'm starting while JHACO is visiting the hospital. I'm just shadowing my preceptor for the week though. I'm looking for any suggestions that might help me with this new career of mine. TIA

[Kristen_RN]

Congratulations on starting your new job! It is always scary at first, but the best advice that I can give you is: Don't be scared to ask! Ask 1000 questions if you need to. If you don't know, ask. If you are curious, ask. If you aren't sure, ask. If you ask, and still aren't sure, ask someone else. Ask, ask, ask! Oh, and remember to have some fun while you are at it!

[KatieBell]

Enjoy your new job!!!! I hope it is a really positive experience for you. How...err, exciting, to start during a JACHO review.

These tips are not for you to implement in the next 4 weeks, as you are going to be BUSY
One tip is to really keep up with the continuing education offerred at the hospital, and join your local nursing association. In general the CE's are free and can lead you to different opportunities if you decide you want them, so take advantage of classes. Even if you won't be using those skills immediately, it can't hurt to learn. If you decide you love Med-Surg, go for the certifications offerred in that speciality.

In your local nursing organization you can learn a lot, meet others outside of your hospital and have a pretty good time. (I joined my local ENA (Emergency Nurses Association) right out of school, and the contacts and friends I made were excellent.

Otherwise of course ask tons of questions, be supportive of the CNAs and ward clerks (and they will in turn be supportive of you.), and enjoy your new career.

[USA987]

Best wishes on the start of your nursing journey!

[Stephanie82]

I got the call Monday from the nurse recruiter. I got the job that I wanted. It is on a Med/Surg floor (and it was my choice as well) 7am to 7pm....3 days a week, no weekend rotation. For me, the hours are a dream! Especially for a new grad!

So today I go in here in a few hours to meet with the nurse recruiter and give her all my paperwork (tax info, direct deposit info, stuff like that) and get things all set and ready to go. General hospital orientation is this coming Monday October 3rd. So my first day on the floor won't be quite yet.

I'm sooo excited but scared to death at the same time. I just hope I can get it all together...all the meds, treatments, and charting on several patients. I mean in nursing school we never had more than 2 at a time.

So please fill me in on any challenges you face or anything that made it easier. Cause I'm NERVOUS!