Doubting myself

[Tara,RN]

I'm a new grad, starting in home health on Monday. When I got the job, the director told me she doesn't typically hire new grads, but she was impressed by my cover letter, called me in for an interview and basically hired me on the spot. I am so excited, as this was my first choice, but now I'm terrified! Im having doubts about being on my own. I'm afraid I am going to miss something crucial or disappoint my employers, who have seemingly put some faith into me. I will receive extra orientation, but I can't shake this fear of failure. Is this normal for a new grad, and does anyone have ANY solid advice for my success?

[caliotter3]

Deep breathing! Relaxation techniques. Prepare for each workday as if you were a student. Do homework on areas that you need. Ask on day one for suggestions for homework. Every day, at the end of the day, try to think of questions to ask the next day. Take it one day at a time. No one became an expert in one week, remember that. Good luck.

[LaRN]

You shouldn't get any surprises as far as what type of skill or equip the visit will require, such as Picc lines, wound vacs, and etc. If there is something that you're not sure how to do, don't do it. call your supervisor and get inserviced on it first. Know your vital sign , blood glucose, etc. parameters for that particular patient, and if they are out of range, figure out why.....ie: did they take their insulin? blood pressure meds? if not, then they need to do those things. if they've taken all meds, then they may have a problem, so call md. do good physical assessments, but a full body assessment to check for wounds, pressure ulcers or injuries generally isn't required every visit if the patient is alert, oriented and able to answer questions.

but do full body assessments (can be brief) on those who have any type of dementia, ESPEcially if they have no caregiver or an older or unreliable caregiver. always check a diabetics feet every visit, between toes, back of heels. if you're unable to do this for any reason, make sure you document why.

[Sadunlap]

Ask to be paired with a preceptor / collegue that can mentor you for a full year. Doesn't have to be with you all the time but someone who would agree to be available for you telephonically when questions come up (and believe me they will) If the supervisor felt you could handle the job then that is the best testimony to your capability and hold onto that. Understand that the learning curve for ANYONE staring home health who has never worked it is huge... I used to tell ALL my new hires it would be 3 months before they felt relatively competent and at least a year before they felt proficient. Of course that is including the learning curve for the electronic documentation and all the regulations that accompany HH nursing... Hang in there! Be excited for this opportunity!