First day ever as an RN....tips please...

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Hi! So I had two days of hospital orientation last week and I am shadowing someone for the first time Wednesday. I will be on a Tele floor. Any advice? What should I bring my first day?? Getting a bit nervous, but excited too. Thanks in advance!

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Specializes in Peds Hem, Onc, Med/Surg.

Bring a snack! You will need it. My first day I also brought a small notebook that fit into my pocket so I could write down stuff.

DEEP BREATHS! and lots of positive thinking! You can do this! I freaked my first day on the floor and on the way home I cried, I was so scared. Don't do that! :D It will be ok!

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Specializes in Intermediate care.

Bring yourself, scrubs, stethoscope, SCISSORS!, stock up with alcohol swabs, 2 pens (you will loose at least one). Maybe some scratch paper (i make little reminders on my scratch paper). Quick snack (i.e. granola bar), water bottle with water.

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Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.

Pens and a clipboard, stethascope, scissors. Stock your pockets with alcohol wipes and flushes. If you like to keep your brains organized. Lunch and a snack is a good thing. Something you can wolf down in minutes if need be.:lol2:

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Specializes in Med Surg.

Good luck! Bring a good attitude, be ready to work, don't be afraid to ask questions. My first night was last Monday; I was TERRIFIED!!! It went well though. I'm sure things will go well for you too. Remember that you worked hard to get to this point, you're full of knowledge, and ready to do this.

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Specializes in LTC.

When I first started, a nurse told me to bring scissors, a pen, and my stethoscope. I have brought theses things to work with me every since.

P.S. When I was training, i thought I made a serious mistake. I thought I wasted my mom and my money and time going to nursing school. I thought I would never be able to do it. Please, have confidence in yourself. I am the type of person that it takes me awhile to grasp things and ideas, and now I'm a great nurse if I my say so myself.

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Specializes in CCU, cardiac tele, NICU.

Scissors, Kelleys, stethoscope, pens x2, water, snack, lunch. And you're already asking questions, so I'm sure you'll be fine. :) Good luck - I loooove tele!

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watch! you need a watch too! so scrubs, ID, stethoscope, scissors, watch, two pens, sharpie, alcohol swabs, flushes, WATER, snacks and a small notepad that you could put in your pocket. if you have a smart phone, go get pepid or some other nursing app.

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Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.

Scrubs, Badge, and Scope and scissors. The hospital has the rest.

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Specializes in SNF / med/surg-tele.

Sharpie...I have like 3 in my car, 1 in my purse, and 1 in my secret hiding place at work good luck and hope it went well!

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I always had my stethoscope, scissors, multiple pens in different colors (I color coded my assignment sheets), clipboard with legal pad, alcohol preps (should be at the hospital- don't buy your own), tape (again- at the hospital), change for the snack machines (even if you bring your own), one of those nerdy pocket protector thingys with different sections in it, pocket sized reminder cards for stuff I'd need on the specific unit I was working..... you'll figure out your own load of junk to drag with you after a few days...:)

It doesn't hurt to have a drug handbook in a purse or tote bag. The floor will have one, but I always had my favorite.

Congratulations :):nurse:

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