First job as an RN

RosieEm · Sep 8, 2018

MedSurg tele, part Chemo, part Peds. It was a small hospital, so they had to put a lot on the same floor. I learned and cried a lot, simply because it's a stressful process. But if you can keep yourself afloat, keep reminding yourself that it will get better and easier and hold on for 6 months - 1 year (learning curve usually lasts that long), you'll start enjoying the learning process before you know it!

The idea of someone's lives in your hands can make being a brand new nurse very terrifying. But I promise you, just like everyone else, you WILL make it through. Remain positive, seek help when there is even the tiniest doubt and don't be afraid to ask questions! I've been a nurse for 8 years around the same specialty and there are days when I have still said "I don't know, let me find out", and that's okay!

Best of luck, study hard and you will be great! :) :) :)

AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Sep 8, 2018

I would suggest taking your NCLEX sooner, then later! I wouldn't wait two months!

I worked in an ER right out of school as a new grad. It was a love hate relationship, mostly hate. I already knew I loved caring for kids and hated caring for adults, and this pretty much verified that. Luckily it was an ER that saw a high volume of kids, but they eventually built a new ER and made one area for kids and I hardly ever got to work there because I became per-diem (as I said it was a mostly hate relationship, so I went back to EMS full time about a year and a half after starting my nursing career). It was an easy transition for me because of my EMS background so I was off orientation in about a month or less, when they scheduled me for like 3 months of orientation when I was hired. I then decided to try IV team which I like because you really only have one patient at a time, and generally when you have a list of calls you just get there when you get there. We also go to all the Stat team calls and codes. I don't mind it, but it's not my niche. I just got hired into a team at a children's hospital so I am hoping maybe a pediatric only IV team is my niche, we will see, I start in one week!

I would suggest you start applying next month for jobs.

Annie

sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN · Sep 8, 2018

I worked charge GN in CCU....wake hospital I got my diploma RAn at"

TX.RN.Shannon · Sep 9, 2018

As a new LVN, I worked 3-11 on a 30-bed Med/Surg floor in a smallish community hospital. I was exposed to everything from pedi (2 weeks old with RSV) to pregnant women (pyelonephritis), to elective knee/hip/shoulder replacements, to elderly (often at end-of-life or on hospice services) patients. My experience there was invaluable and served as a solid base to the rest of my career.

Go in with an open mind, ready to learn. Take notes, offer to do procedures like catheters or lab draws even if you feel fairly comfortable, ask and observe other staff members in their patient care. Don't be afraid to ask questions; the only stupid question is one you don't ask. Do not expect to know everything; know that you will make a mistake---own up and fix it!

cleback · Sep 9, 2018

If you're like me, the only way to make yourself leas nervous is to study, sleep well, and exercise.

Also, keep in mind that when you start, you will likely be very "booksmart" compared to the more veteran nurses (we tend to forget what we don't use). So you'll have that advantage.

I started on inpatient psych. They put me in charge in the first night off orientation. That was a train wreck. Baptism by fire.

Kallie3006, ADN · Sep 10, 2018

Find a couple brains to try to see what works best for you, the one your preceptor uses may not be what's easiest for you. Not all doctors are intimidating but know what you are asking and suggest appropriate interventions. Take it one day at a time and remember we have all been there. Good luck!

Racer15, BSN, RN · Sep 10, 2018

I've only ever worked ER. It was pretty rough in the beginning, I cried after work a lot. I'm glad I stuck with it! Still have bad days but I'm where I think I was meant to be.

Ashley_SF, BSN · Sep 10, 2018

I started in outpatient dialysis and was lucky to have a 30 week orientation with classroom instruction. I was overwhelmed and nervous for the first 1 year. If you've looked around AN you'll see that it's pretty common for new nurses to be nervous, uncertain, and overwhelmed. Make sure you have a good support system and self care practices.

I went to the gym, prioritized sleep, eating well and staying hydrated. These are still practices that I continue today. I second much of the advice above. Also, you're going to make mistakes; accept them, learn from them and move on.

Lastly, speed and confidence will come with time. Patient safety is number 1.

Workitinurfava, BSN, RN · Sep 10, 2018

You will always have some nervousness (some of it will help you practice safely) but you should learn how to control it so you can work competently.

BrisketRN, BSN, RN · Sep 10, 2018

The best way to break the nerves is preparation! For the NCLEX--do a program like Kaplan that has a set and proven guideline for passing. For your first job do LOTS of research before and brush up on necessary skills/knowledge. During your orientation period keep a list of things to review or look up when you get home. Don't lose sleep over it but use any spare time to prepare yourself. If you're unsure of what to review/how to prepare yourself talk to some of the nurses you're working with (once you get a job). I'm sure they'd be happy to give you tips.

Hoosier_RN, MSN · Sep 12, 2018

when I got my first RN job, it was in ER and I knew within 6 months that I absolutely hated it! I talked to the nurse educator that had guided my orientation. Luckily she got me transferred to ICU where I flourished. When you get that first job, don't be afraid to let your preceptor know if it isn't a good fit. Hopefully, they can guide you to a better fit. Good luck on the start of your new career!