Brand New Nurse - need advice

Sun0408, ASN, RN · Jun 24, 2011

Make sure your scrubs match LOL.. Seriously, it is your first day.. You will look like an idiot one way or another :) You are going into a specialty and it will take time to get everything down, know where everything is etc.. Just go in, be yourself, ask lots and lots of questions ( no such thing as a stupid question) and plan on learning a whole lot more than you did in school.. Being nervous, scared and unsure is common.. Just ask away.. If you have any "downtime" ask your co-workers if you can help them do something..

Try and enjoy this experience and yep yep, you will have bad days and that does not mean you are a bad nurse.. :)

ean29 · Jun 24, 2011

Where in the country did you get hired right out of school into the Nursery/PP? I only ask because my best friend is trying to get into that area as a new grad and has found all doors closed.

As a new grad, one of the best pieces of advice I've heard is - Don't think you'll be able to learn everything before you hit the floor. It really resonated home with me for I had been planning all these extravagant study tools. NOT to say that brushing up on key concepts is bad, but don't overload yourself. Like the poster above said, it's your first day, it's been a while since OB - so just let yourself learn. That being said, I bet there is a ton of stuff online also that can guide you. Best wishes!

Khinton23 · Jun 25, 2011

Where in the country did you get hired right out of school into the Nursery/PP? I only ask because my best friend is trying to get into that area as a new grad and has found all doors closed.
As a new grad, one of the best pieces of advice I've heard is - Don't think you'll be able to learn everything before you hit the floor. It really resonated home with me for I had been planning all these extravagant study tools. NOT to say that brushing up on key concepts is bad, but don't overload yourself. Like the poster above said, it's your first day, it's been a while since OB - so just let yourself learn. That being said, I bet there is a ton of stuff online also that can guide you. Best wishes!

I was hired in Shreveport, LA. I'm not the only new grad. A classmate of mine is in L&D.

AprilAZRN · Jun 25, 2011

I was hired as a new RN Graduate directly to L and D almost 8 yrs ago. Those first 6 months are a blur! Ask ?s and be yourself. I hope it goes well! Congratulations!!

ADPIE2008 · Jun 29, 2011

I was also hired as a new grad into the Mother/Baby unit. I had a great preceptor who taught me well and was very patient and encouraging. My orientation was 12 weeks. I have been working there for about 8 months and I still feel like an "idiot" sometimes. I have really good notes I typed up and printed out. I add to them as I learn new things. When I have a question, I check my notes first, if I can't find the answer then I go to the charge nurse and ask her. I LOVE my job and the team I work with.

Congratulations and I hope all goes well with your new position!

leanne.roberts · Jun 30, 2011

I'm in the same boat, new grad and hired into L&D. I sought out this position though. I have several years experience working with families as a doula/educator, but none, other than clinical rotation, as a nurse. I'm going to be working with a preceptor which makes me feel better. I'm hoping it's someone who will be supportive and kind... even if it's not, this is my dream and I'll make the best of it to learn and grow.

When do you begin orienting?

Khinton23 · Jun 30, 2011

When do you begin orienting?

Today!! :yeah:

leanne.roberts · Jun 30, 2011

Today!!

Yay, make sure to come back on and tell us how it went :yeah: