OMG-FIrst Assignment

AzNurse67 · Aug 23, 2005

Congrats on completing your first week as a travel nurse! This by far, is the scarest part of travel nursing... we all remember our first time. My first was going from a 5 bed Rural ER to a 22 bed Level One Trauma Center and ER... what a difference! yet, virtually the same...

Here's to many more years of traveling!!! \_/c

Town & Country · Aug 23, 2005

Five 12-hour shifts in a row? Yikes! Travelers usually only do 3 or 4, unless they are just wanting MEGA-overtime.....whew!

alwayslearnin · Aug 23, 2005

Hi SunStreak=

Yes, 5 in a row WAS brutal, but 2 days were orientation and then they started me on my 3 in a row (they were just back-to-back) . So this will not be the norm (hurray ). BUt as the above writer put it, I got through my first week - so it can only get better from here! Thanks for replying-it's nice to know you all are out there "trudging the road" Hope you all have happy travels!!(HA)

alwayslearning

Five 12-hour shifts in a row? Yikes! Travelers usually only do 3 or 4, unless they are just wanting MEGA-overtime.....whew!

alwayslearnin · Aug 23, 2005

HI AzNURSE67,

THanks for replying and for the encouragement! I'll look back on this when the going gets tough. Wow, that must have been quite a transition from Rural to Level 1 ER. I've done the Rural for over a year, going from a lg facility and it was somewhat of a culture shock to say the least-but there was so real bennies to it that I wouln't have gotten from the large facility I was at. So, what do you like practicing at better? Just curious. Anyway, thank you again for the encouragement. Have a great day!!

alwayslearnin

Congrats on completing your first week as a travel nurse! This by far, is the scarest part of travel nursing... we all remember our first time. My first was going from a 5 bed Rural ER to a 22 bed Level One Trauma Center and ER... what a difference! yet, virtually the same...
Here's to many more years of traveling!!! \_/c

bagladyrn, RN · Aug 25, 2005

Wow-I Just finished my first week at my first assignment-5-12 hour shifts in a row. And I felt so overwelmed! It is a lot learning the computer, where things are, equipment, etc etc. I caught myself thinking, "What the heck did I get myself into???? And yet, the comfort was, "I know how to do the nursing care" and that was comforting-and the people have been so helpful-I'm really greatful for that!!!! Right now, I don't want to think about going back. I'm sure part of that is I haven't slept now that I'm done with day #5. I know this will get better, Ill never be a new traveler again-and I got through my hardest week-YES!!!
Anyway, I just had to write-I know you all know what I am going through and that's comforting. I'm so glad for this forum. Next time I post-I hope I will be able to bring encouragement and positive experience for other travelers.
alwayslearnin

Yes - you made it through the hardest part of the transition. Soon you will be enjoying the experience, the new area to explore and people to meet! After a couple of assignments you will have your own little list of what to ask, what to look for when you arrive at a new facility. I can now "orient myself" pretty well to a new place by just letting the staff know what I find essential to start and can learn to find my way around a new computer charting system with about 1/2 day class or even sometimes an online tutorial and a handbook.

Now comes the dangerous part - you may find yourself hooked on traveling as I am and unwilling to think of ever going back to a staff job after 9 years on the road!