First Day Jitters

Keep an open mind. Coming in jaded about the work environment and staff is going to make every slightly negative or neutral interaction seem worse. Understand that there are many factors that play into workplace culture/politics and the people that have told you the bad things may not know the full story, or may have that perception for a reason. For example, a former employee on the unit who may not have had adequate skills to practice safely may be resentful of constructive criticism that was given to her. An employee on another unit is on the outside looking in and may perceive that the staff is stand-offish and demanding when they actually have great internal relationships and a high focus on patient safety and thorough report. Be friendly, be kind, respect the experience on the unit and be willing to learn. The jitters are completely normal and will work themselves out as you become more familiar with the unit and the work. Best of luck, and congrats on the new job!