First job in the nursing home, need help!

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Hello! I am a nurse in the Philippines and I moved here in the US 2 years ago. I just got my RN license last month and fortunately I got hired yesterday in a nursing home for part time shifts. Quick background, I graduated in 2010 and only practiced for a year back home then I went to med school for 3 years but didn't finish..then moved here. Can somebody please enlighten me what preparations can I make before my orientation (read on topics) and before I am nurse on the floor in general? Do I wear scrubs on the orientation? I am a little scared I won't do well especially I graduated a long time ago and it'll be my first job here. Thank you!!

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Specializes in ER/trauma, IV, CEN.

I would definitely wear scrubs for orientation if it is at the facility. As far as preparation, there isn't much you can do at home. They should provide you with some employee handbooks and what not so start with familiarizing yourself with those. Prepare yourself for fast-paced learning, as most nursing homes give you very little orientation (I had 3 days). Good luck to you!

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Thank you! The nursing director told me yesterday that she orientation will be a classroom one then I'll have a dementia training. Then I'll shadow a nurse and be with a nurse for 1 or 2 weeks. She said it depends on how fast I get used to the facility. I'm a little nervous!

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You finished nursing school and attended medical school. I think you aren't giving yourself enough credit. Wear scrubs, because scrubs are always acceptable in a nursing setting, and try to relax. I feel strongly that you will do a great job! Congratulations and good luck!

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Aww thank you ChryssyD! I'll wear scrubs then. I am nervous because I haven't been working for a long time! Thank you for the encouragement, I really appreciate it :)

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