I would say to be prpared to be OVERWHELMED!! I just started my orientation on a cardiac step down unit. I have been an aide at this hospital for 2 years while in nursing school so I thought that would give me a little advantage (and it probably does). But it is still extremely overwhelming. It's a very strange transition going from student nurse to graduate nurse and working as a GN. I felt completely inadequate my first day on the floor. I think you have to set goals and standards and learn not to be too hard on yourself....I know that is going to be my problem.
yesterday was my first day on the floor after a week of classroom stuff. I came home and 2 hours later, I cried. I wasn't even expecting to cry. I didn't even do anything wrong, it's just a very emotional experience...I think. Things happen so fast, new admit's, transfers, new orders, it's so fast paced! I imagine ICU is just the same. I think orientation will be like a rollarcoaster ride. It's going to have it's ups and downs. and your probably going to question yourself.
In nursing school or as an aide at this hospital, if there was anything wrong....different....something that you didn't know how to handle.... you just tell the nurse! now you are the NURSE!! holy cow! I know that there are always other people around that willing to help, but I still think it's very scary.
Overall, I think orientation will be a great challege for a new GN. I think this is THE REAL LEARNING now. I think it's going to push you to the limits and even further, but in the end.... you'll make it, just as you did in nursing school! Good luck!
Not sure if I helped to answer your question or if i was just blabbing about my feelings about my first 4 hrs on the floor yesterday, so thanks for posting this thread
P.S. I take my boards 8/1.....
Good Luck!
~mycatmax
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