First job as a nurse; proud but nervous!

KayRN910 · Jul 4, 2011

Congrats on the job!! Where will you be working?! Just go in with an open mind and willing to be helpful! :) And if you dont know, DONT FAKE IT, ask another nurse! :) (Although, sometimes you have to fake it in front of the patient until you can get help! :) )

nola1202 · Jul 4, 2011

u can do it! Congratulations, it feels really good doesn't it!

Do-over, ASN, RN · Jul 4, 2011

Congrats!

Scared is OK - High alert will keep your patients safe!

Also - just hang on for the first 6 months or so. It WILL get better and you WILL eventually feel like you know what you are doing.

CameoRN · Jul 4, 2011

Congrats on the job!! Where will you be working?! Just go in with an open mind and willing to be helpful! :) And if you dont know, DONT FAKE IT, ask another nurse! :) (Although, sometimes you have to fake it in front of the patient until you can get help! :) )

Thanks Kay! I'll be working in the Clinical Decision Unit as a staff nurse. They tried to implement this unit a few years back but they didn't do their research and it ended up being more of an overflow. This time, they're doing it right.

Great advice--poker face and asking someone who knows. And thanks for making me feel welcome around these boards! Happy 4th!

tokmom, BSN, RN · Jul 4, 2011

What is a clinical decision unit?

The first few months will be a learning curve. There will be some days you feel you just can't do it all. Eventually it will all be second nature.

Oh, and never let the pt see you sweat. Fake it in front of them and then find someone who knows. Last but not least, always ask for help.

Welcome to the trenches! :)

CameoRN · Jul 4, 2011

Congrats!
Scared is OK - High alert will keep your patients safe!
Also - just hang on for the first 6 months or so. It WILL get better and you WILL eventually feel like you know what you are doing.

Do-Over, thanks! That's really what I wanted to hear...it DOES get better. :thankya:

himilayaneyes · Jul 4, 2011

Congrats on your 1st nursing job! A little scared is good, it'll keep you on your toes. Ask lots of questions, look up things if you have to, don't fake it if you don't know it (except for in front of the patient like one poster said til you can find out for sure). Keep an open mind. Be willing to put patients on a bedpan the same way you're willing to start an IV on a patient. You'll be fine!

CameoRN · Jul 4, 2011

What is a clinical decision unit?
The first few months will be a learning curve. There will be some days you feel you just can't do it all. Eventually it will all be second nature.
Oh, and never let the pt see you sweat. Fake it in front of them and then find someone who knows. Last but not least, always ask for help.
Welcome to the trenches! :)

Thanks Tokmom! I really appreciate the welcome. :)

Clinical Decision Unit is called Observation in some places. I think the new name is to help keep it truly a

After they are in my unit, they are either discharged home or treated as a new admit to the floor.

LuxAeternaRN · Jul 4, 2011

The title says it all. I'm new here to allnurses, brand new to nursing, & proud as heck to have been offered my first job as an RN. (very humbled and thankful, too, as I realize it is hard to find ANY job right now).
So the kicker is, I'm scared like heck, too! Here comes the reality of responsibility.
"New-grad-in-a-month" seeking encouragement here. I know the 'real' learning starts after school...just feeling the enormity of being a nurse...!
Thanks.

Right there with you! When do you start?? My first day is tomorrow. It does cause you to feel extremely thankful for this new grad RN opportunity. I keep telling myself several things and I'll tell you the same (gotta self-pep!): 1. You made it through nursing school and passed the NCLEX: it definitely doesn't mean you know it all (that's ok!) but it DOES mean you are able to plug along and learn. 2. Your employer saw potential in you and believes you have what it takes! 3. You're a smart, capable person and you can do this!

The advice here is great. I think we just have to go in as little newbie sponges and be willing to soak up all the info we can. As the others said, being helpful is always a good rule of thumb with any new job. I think employers appreciate a new grad who is humble and willing to ask questions instead of being overly confident. You will do great!! All the best. :yeah:

CameoRN · Jul 5, 2011

Right there with you! When do you start?? My first day is tomorrow. It does cause you to feel extremely thankful for this new grad RN opportunity. I keep telling myself several things and I'll tell you the same (gotta self-pep!): 1. You made it through nursing school and passed the NCLEX: it definitely doesn't mean you know it all (that's ok!) but it DOES mean you are able to plug along and learn. 2. Your employer saw potential in you and believes you have what it takes! 3. You're a smart, capable person and you can do this!
The advice here is great. I think we just have to go in as little newbie sponges and be willing to soak up all the info we can. As the others said, being helpful is always a good rule of thumb with any new job. I think employers appreciate a new grad who is humble and willing to ask questions instead of being overly confident. You will do great!! All the best.

Thank you Lux! Super sweet and encouraging of you to say. :) Woot for newbie sponges! lol

Wish you lots of luck on your first day, and can't wait to hear all about it!

joanna73, BSN, RN · Jul 5, 2011

I'm a new RN too....almost 8 months in, and it does get easier. But you learn every day. And of course, don't be afraid to ask questions, but also know that you will need to continue to study and do your own research.