A positive newbie thread...

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Specializes in OR.

I have been an RN for about 2 months now and working in the OR(as a nurse) since June. I have my days like anyone else(I'm NOT a morning person, so getting up at 6am has been the pits!)but I am very happy with my job. I feel like I'm doing work that means something and I've had good feedback from other nurses, surgeons etc. I think it helps that I love surgery and the OR so I am truly interested in learning. My preceptor has been very good, she's able to correct you without making you feel stupid. Anyone else having a good experience-any preceptors/mentors/supportive staff that have helped you along? Give a shout out to them here!:thankya:

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Specializes in Telemetry/Med Surg.

Must be good vibes here in Little Rhody!!! :wink2:

I've been working since June as a grad nurse and beginning of August as an RN. I've been on my own for over a month now.

I had a wonderful education that really set the pace and prepared us for the real world. My preceptor (love you Bill!) was the very best of the best. I sought out working the floor I'm on b/c I wanted him to precept me. I work 3-11 shift/24 hrs. although we experience some nights that you just can't wait to get out of there, 99% of the time it has all been positive, continuing to learn so much and have received nothing but positive feedback from those I work with. I'm loving it.

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Specializes in Progressive Care.

Im actually doing much better now. Im 10 months out from graduation, 6 months on my own as an Rn. The more I go to work, the better I feel about myself as a nurse. Of course there are some days that I feel like screaming... My manager and I have a joke. We count the days since my last meltdown screaming that I dont want to be a nurse anymore. Its been over a month since i have sat crying in her office. Im kind of proud of that and I think she is too.

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That's a good one, Amy. With a little humor, we can all make it!

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I hope to hear more POSITIVE first year stories. I know they are out there!

So far my first job is ok. I will post as I get more experience, whether good or bad. (hoping for good!)

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Specializes in Neuro ICU, Neuro/Trauma stepdown.

I graduated in June and I LOVE being a nurse. I'm uncomfortable a lot and admitting 20+ times a day that I don't know the answer isn't alway fun, but I knew I had that coming to me. And working in a really great hospital on a neat unit and learning new stuff all the time is soooo much better than breaking my back in the nursing home for low wages....

...if fact i was just saying so last night to my new coworkers!!

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Specializes in Clinical exp in OB, psy, med-surg, peds.

Right now I feel so dump, as if I do not know anything, also am feeling so scared to death, especially after an interview when they ask me about vents, trachs etc, LOL, one interviewer send me back to study vents and trachs, patients with bowel obstructions, MI and so forth, please

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I had my post-orientation review today and I am doing great. I feel more confident but I also ask for help whenever I need it--some nights more than others.

Tonight I came in and my assignement was one discharge, one antepartum on IV abx, one post-csect w/ endometritis also on iv abx, one vag from yesterday that I had yesterday and was pretty fine, and another vag fro yesterday that had fainted on me and also spoke no english. And I was on the schedule to get the first admit.

OK so I felt like crying for a few minutes. But the nurse before me did the discharge, bringing me to three couplets and one a/p. The labor board was eerily quiet but I thought it was okay. Til 1800 when the admit was late-onset Postpartum PIH and on mag sulfate! Ok then the a/p had an episode of fetal tachycardia and had to go for NST stat. Then the usual calls for meds etc, all this while checking on the mag pt hourly, and finding out during the initial check that her pump wasn't programmed right and she was only getting a teeny dose and having to fix all that. (with help lol) and all the checks on mothers and babies!

but you know what? I didn't cry! I stayed on top of it! I delegated appropriately to my techs! (the mean one came on when I was leaving and didn't even say hi to me) I did it all right, remembered to fill out all the I&O sheets and even got one patients WIC forms completed. All in all, totaly successful and two weeks ago I would have felt totally overwhelmed. This nurse stuff is beginning to work out lol! :) :)

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Specializes in Clinical exp in OB, psy, med-surg, peds.

Wow, good for you, wishing eveeryone the best.

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Specializes in LTAC, Homehealth, Hospice Case Manager.

I had my job waiting for me about half way through my last semester. I work in a long term acute care facility & I have the most awesome preceptor! Our patients are difficult...most are on vents with multisystem failures & alot of wound care. I've been there for about 1 1/2 months & have been at a 4 patient load on my own for the last 2 weeks. I've not had any really bad days (some are more stressing than others), but yesterday was the best...I'm finally hitting a comfort zone with the 4 & required very little help from my preceptor. So far, I found the transition from 3 to 4 patients to be the most difficult. Time management is a hard thing to grasp. However, I'm learning alot & my preceptor is always there for me if I need her. Overall I have to say things are going very well (at least my preceptor says so & I do trust her). :)

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