Adjusting to the "Real World"???

[USA987]

Hi all!

Just kind of curious how everyone is adjusting to the "real world"???

I'm doing okay. Passed the boards this week:D ! Orienting in a small ICU/Telemetry unit. I started in July and they said I probably won't be off orientation until January....which is great, but it seems like my preceptor isn't very "free" with information. If I ask, she will tell me...otherwise forget it!!

Ugg! Hope you all are adjusting to your new roles well!:)

[kimmicoobug]

My orientation kind of sucks. I am at week 10 of my orientation and after week 12, I don't even know what unit or if I even have a job. This hospital that I work at had the bright idea during the spring to start an orientation program for 8 new grads to be "mentored" and "precepted". Well, the only problem is the facility didn't need any new hires. The plan was to retain us for the float pool. So, I was hired into OB and then was told that I wasn't needed and to transfer. I did.

Honestly, I don't know about my progress as a new nurse. I have spent two weeks orienting to each unit and I feel like I am doing ok. But the other new grads who were hired to a particular unit and who werent asked to transfer just yet are so much farther ahead than I am. Right now, I am back on a med-surg unit. My first night I actually had a full load unmentored because my mentor was sick. So, I had a fresh surgery, four regular med patients, and an admit. I managed to do it with some help from the other nurses. I am eternally gratefull for that. Time management is going pretty well. The heaviest that our loads will be is seven and the lightest five. Between my mentor last night and myself we had seven, five of which I had. Where I struggle are some of the procedures (so many of them) and becoming faster on forms and stuff.

I am trying to stay positive and am applying all over since I am not too sure of my job security or even if this is the place that would be the best for me. We'll see, I guess. Good luck to you all, and me too.