First day as a "spanky new R.N."

Published

Let just start off by saying my preceptor kept refering to me as the "student nurse". I laughed it off the first 3 times then I was getting annoyed. I was very polite when reminding her the sixth time that I was a registered Nurse in training. By three pm she finally caught on :chuckle .

Anyhoo, I was very nervous the first hour, but a weird thing happened, I felt like I could acutually BE a nurse, responsible for the care of our pts. I was assessing, talking and laughing w/ our pts. I felt pretty good about myself.

I mostly shawdowed, but jumped right in when things were getting hectic.

Its definately a shock, though. Especially with meds.

All six of our pts had a minimum of 9 meds :uhoh3:

long gone are the days of having my instructor over my shoulder making sure everything is correct.

Don't get me wrong, I am not a stranger to "real world" nusing, per se.

But, nontheless, it was weird being out there w/o that safety net.

Well, I should have mentioned before that I am working on a telemetry floor.

I'm used to the emergency dept, so its going to be an adjustment. My hospital is a teaching one, so you know the nurses station was jammed packed w/ white coats..lol

I am definately going back to the ED in six months, no doubt about it! I miss it soooo much :crying2:

So, I will keep you posted on my progress if you like. Im not scheduled to work again till tuesday........

All said and done..........this ride will be Very interesting, indeed!

Happy

Up Vote Up Vote ×

sounds like you enjoyed your day..keep the stories coming..i have an interview on a hematology/oncology peds floor on monday...*hoping for the best**...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute rehab/geriatrics/cardiac rehab.

happystudent - Thanks for sharing your experiences as a new nurse. After passing the NCLEX I've realized my next big transition will be when I go to work in August. It'll be such a new experience being a new RN and not a student nurse. I've decided to take it one day at a time...... and try not to panic the day before I start working.... and I only hope I enjoy being a nurse as much as I enjoyed being a nursing student......

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hemodialysis, Home Health.

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaay, HAPPY !!! :D

What a good little Student Nurse you were today ! :eek: :rotfl:

Glad you were able to stick your toes in the water without having them bitten off ! So you're off to a decent start anyway...:chuckle

You're going to be just fine. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry/Med Surg.

sounds really great--glad everything worked out.

Keep us posted as you progress along in your career. very interesting to me...still being a lowly student. Keep up the good work! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Good to hear you corrected your preceptor-because you have earned that title RN!!!!!!!!!!!

I am a nurse assistant on a telemetry floor and I love it I hope to get on the floor when I graduate (just hopefully not at the same hospital) in Dec.

I am taking the LPN boards on the 14th to get some experience in at least med pass, pt load, nursing,etc., already have a job lined up at a nursing home if I pass and like you I will miss having that safety net like in school. But I know you will do just fine, keep on keeping on.

I floated to the ER once and boy I didn't like it, so many people say they love it though.

Congrats again and show them with your working with:chuckle

____________________________________________

"Can't wait til its over Dec 04 RN 2 be"

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Glad to hear your first day went well. I would love to hear more in the future. Anyway, I started working as a weekend wound care nurse last week before I took my boards in a long term facility and then after passing the boards, they offered me a 7-3 M-F position in which I was excited but the only thing is that... it takes me 30 mins to drive from where I live. I checked the local hospital in town and they have an opening for 3-11 Med Surg. Of course, I took an application form and my friend who works there took it and hand deliver it to the DON. After an hour or so, the DON called me twice and is very interested. So, I am going for an interview on Monday and am scared. I just don't want to mess this up at all. Is there any tips that you guys can share regarding hospital interview? This will be my first time in the hospital and I want this so bad. Hope I get it but I hate to say goodbye to the other place, too. Thanks in advance. Cheers!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

happy.....

I have been following your emails and posts.....You have been actually my main supportive person...and I thank you for that! Please know that many people believe in you....because of what YOU have given us when we did not believe in ourselves!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

We refer to them as baby nurses at our hospital. Reminds us to be gentle, and save the whips and chains til they come off orientation :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, ER, ICU,.

it would be a delight to read about your progress. i have no doubt you will be fine no matter the area you work.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Spanking patients on the first day?!?! Well, shame on you!

That's not suppose to be happenin' till, at least, the second week. (Please see Fundamentals of Nursing, Craven, p. 337.)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
happy.....

I have been following your emails and posts.....You have been actually my main supportive person...and I thank you for that! Please know that many people believe in you....because of what YOU have given us when we did not believe in ourselves!

Awwwww, you made me blush....

thank you so much!

:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion