First job as an RN

[JBail]

Hi everyone,

Which or what unit did you work as a new RN and how was your experience? What should I do to make myself less nervous? I am graduating in December and planning on taking the NCLEX by February or March (God willing), and I am super nervous already.

[Chrispy11, ASN, RN]

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.

Wow! Thanks for posting. I am in my first RN job in this same specialty. My orientation is shorter and I know its's still early and my feelings are normal. They told me it takes about a year to feel confident.

JBail, see you're not alone. We've all been there. Best of luck to you this last semester. Keep your eye on the prize.

[mmjsc]

Is it hard to get in to an ICU as a new grad?