Before I begin

What kind of residency? It'll help us know what kind of advice to give you.

It's an 18 week RN program with a preceptor & mentor, and classes once a week. Probably on med-surg floor, if openings are still available. If not then ICU. Does that help?

Meds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Meds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you, I already have a list of meds that I got off of another forum. I appreciate it.

Honestly, my biggest piece of advice is to ask questions. No question is ever too stupid or too silly to ask. It's when you don't ask questions that you'll find yourself and your patients in unfavorable situations. Be eager, don't be afraid of new experiences and you will be great. Best of luck as you begin!

I wouldn't waste too much time studying until you know where you're going to start. Once you find out, review your notes/textbook chapters pertaining to that specialty. Even meds will vary widely from unit to unit (or floor). Assessment stays pretty much the same, although your focus will vary. If you need to review heart and lung sounds, there are websites you can listen to them at - do a search in the students' forum. Are you at a small hospital that only has "med-surg" floors, or is it like mine where there are tons of different med-surg specialties (renal, oncology, cardiac, GI/bariatric, ortho, etc.)? If your hospital is mostly on tele, you could start reviewing rhythms too if you need something to fill the time.

Try to relax and enjoy the holidays! You graduated and passed boards already, and they're already going to have you take a class to review what you'll need for the job. Good luck!

Thanks for your advice. Just don't want to go in & look like I don't know what I'm doing.....when really that's how I feel. LOL The hospital I want to work at has a great program and I feel confident that I can learn what I need. I guess I'm jsut a little apprehensive...and excited....and scared....and ready to go to work.....and everything. But thank you all for your input!! :icon_hug:

Thanks for your advice. Just don't want to go in & look like I don't know what I'm doing.....when really that's how I feel. LOL The hospital I want to work at has a great program and I feel confident that I can learn what I need. I guess I'm jsut a little apprehensive...and excited....and scared....and ready to go to work.....and everything. But thank you all for your input!! :icon_hug:

That's exactly how I feel. I will be starting in a NICU in January and I am really nervous and excited and all different emotions! I bought a NICU book and have been trying to read it because I'm so scared of walking in there and looking like I don't know what I'm doing.. but I guess that's how all new nurses feel!

My advice is to you is to take each day at a time. You can never be prepared enough for the challenges that await you when you're actually there. School usually cannot compare to the real nursing... What I can say is just persevere, do your best but don't too set too high of expectations, especially for yourself. Remember always that you are NOT expected to know what you're doing. You are lucky to be in a residency program, that will help make your transition from school to the real world of nursing in a more supportive environment. Find someone you can regularly meet and discuss your daily achievements as well as your struggles....finding a mentor will really shape you as you begin your career. I want to stress this point of regular venting out because you don't want to be to fed up, drown, and quit. Learn to compromise. Don't be afraid to delegate. Prioritization is a skill more than a concept, you can never get the hang of it overnight. ABCs that we've learned in school is true, but sometimes you get really caught up and will be at a loss as to what to attend to first.... when this happens, take a break and breathe..coz you push yourself, you'll be in more trouble than not. Have a buddy at work. Enjoy your freetime and I mean, enjoy it! Have a journal, jot down your daily experiences, your everyday feelings (anxiety, fulfillment, etc), put in your journal any notes from your patients or just anything at all, coz later on in your career, you might just go over your journal and appreciate how far you've come even more.

God bless you!