First Job.. I'm Freakin' out.. HELP!

[lvlissl2ebecca]

So, I was recently hired at my first job as an LPN. I worked at this place (a LTC) as a CNA through school. Now, my duties will change and I will oversee my former co-workers. I'm extremely nervous (as I hear it's normal).. but I'm especially nervous about day shift, because it is SO busy and people are everywhere and how will I ever concentrate? I know I'm worrying too much but.. is there a such thing as worrying too much when it comes to having lives in your hands?

Also, I'm worried because when I worked there as a CNA, I would hear the nurses talking about other nurses who were new LPNs at the time saying that they "Didn't pass their meds fast enough, or didn't do this or that fast enough".. and although I know that I will be slow and that I should go slow at first, it is also nervewrecking.

Bah, I want to puke.. but I'm also very excited.. it's an emotional rollercoaster. I'm sorry if my sentences are running together, as I am so preoccupied. Any advice that a new nurse should know about their first job? Thanks :).

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Just walk in there with confidence, and maintain a good posture. The CNAs are experts at spotting a patsy, and some will try to run over you if they sense that you're a pushover. In addition, do not preoccupy yourself with worrying about what others will think of your abilities. In general, people will not have confidence in you if you do not outwardly display confidence in yourself.

My very first med pass took over three hours, and I'm not ashamed of that fact. Any person who is doing something for the first time will accomplish the feat at a slower pace than the more experienced coworkers. Speed comes with practice, time, and grace.

Lastly, always ask questions if you are unsure of something. People will think something's wrong if you're not asking questions, because you possibly cannot know it all with your level of inexperience. Even the nurse with 40 years of experience needs to ask questions on occasion.

Good luck, and walk with pride!