First day off orientation tomorrow....tips?

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hey guys! i am new to the site but tomorrow i am off my orientation for the first time. i just finished 4 months of orientation on a med surg unit. i work 3-11 and am slightly new to the shift (oriented on days until 2 weeks ago). basically i am just very nervous (totally natural im sure). was wondering if anyone has any good advice or tips? my time management is improving everyday and the staff has been really great and helpful. anything anyone can offer would be very helpful!

thanks!

kate

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Utilize your resources and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

Bring some doughnuts or cookies for the staff, maybe a nice thank you card, and be sure to thank your preceptors for all they've taught you so far.

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine.

Just take a big, deep breath and relax. They say it takes a good year for you to even begin to start to feel comfortable as a new nurse. I was cut loose early off orientation and I was terrified. Seemed everyone else believed in me and thought I was a good nurse and doing well but inside I was terrified. Just prioritize, ask for help when you are starting to get behind, be sure to thank the techs because they can make or break ya, don't ever be afraid or embarrased to ask questions if your not sure, don't understand, or just want someone to help or clarify something if your not real familiar or comfortable doing something you may not have done, or haven't done enough, to feel comfortable doing something. ALWAYS trust your gut. If something doesn't look or feel right with a pt, listen to your gut. I have never worked med-surg but these are just my tips. I am sure you are going to do just fine. And every single one of us has felt the same way. :nurse: Your going to be ok.

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine.

It might be just me but you've had 4 months to prepare. That's what orientation is...

Nervous is natural but if you need "tips" you missed out on your orientation.

Good luck.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

you will not know it all and you will be frustrated by that. I disagree that it is too late for tips as I have been nursing many years and REQUEST them from my colleagues. As long as you know your nursing practice act and know where to find policies I bet you will do fine.

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Specializes in CMSRN.

When in doubt always ask. And you will be doing alot of that. It is expected. The most seasoned nurses still ask when they have a brain crap.

For the first month I had someone follow up behind me to confirm I set up the iv tubing correct every time. I was just paranoid about it.

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Specializes in Intermediate care.

Don't be afraid to ask for help, or to ask questions.

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It might be just me but you've had 4 months to prepare. That's what orientation is...

Nervous is natural but if you need "tips" you missed out on your orientation.

Good luck.

I think this is rather harsh! No one is perfect and a brand new nurse right off orientation may need, or feel she needs, some tips. We are all still learning everyday! :rolleyes:

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