Any advice for your first NP job?

[SandBetweenMyToes, BSN, RN]

I am currently searching for my first job. I have interviewed with one organization and have another lined up. I am feeling so stressed about the idea of taking that first job (presuming I get an offer...haha!). I am afraid of taking something, and then 2-3 months later, the one I really wanted comes up...

On one hand, I think my goal is to cement my primary care education...see all ages in a clinic setting. But there are jobs out there that are a niche/specialty. I am starting to be nearly overwhelmed with anxiety about my first position. What if I don't like it? What if they don't like me? What if I have the clinical skills of a doorknob? What if I don't pass the exam (in Canada, we have to wait 6-8 weeks for our results...YIKES!!!)

Some encouragement, advice, and Kum-Bah-Yah's would be most appreciated! :redbeathe

[BCgradnurse, MSN, RN, NP]

First of all, take a deep breath.... I'd venture a guess that most, if not all of us had very similar feelings when looking for that first job. There's no guarantees that you're going to love it; you just make the best decision you can. If it doesn't work out, you look elsewhere. In my opinion, the most important thing in that first job is choosing a position where you'll be well supported by colleagues. It's important to be able to ask questions and ask for assistance and know you'll get it. If you can have a designated mentor, even better! Remember that you're entering the field as a novice-you're not supposed to be an expert at this stage. That's why a good working environment is key. It's a hundred times more important than money, IMO. You will be scared, you will be nervous, and those feelings will serve to make you work towards gaining more knowledge and skills as you go along.

Best of luck to you. Let us know how it goes.