First Job.... Scared....

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Specializes in Adult Acute Psych Inpatient.

I had an interview on the 11th and got hired at the Psych Inpatient Facility that I've been dreaming of. The pay is much higher than most places and I was really excited. Orientation starts the 24th to the 28th. As it's drawing nearer, I'm starting to have more and more anxiety. Particularly about the shift. I will be working 8hr shifts from 11p to 7a Mon-Fri. I'm a night owl, but I'm still worried about how I'm going to adjust. I'm getting very anxious and starting to doubt my ability to do the job and all kinds of other things. Is this normal? Any advice? Anyone else work this shift in Psych or anywhere else? How was it? Encouragement would be greatly appreciated!

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Specializes in ER, ARNP, MSN, FNP-BC.

Congratulations!!!!!

I graduated in 93' swearing I would NEVER do psych. Almost quit nursing school to be a beautician during my lock down acute psych rotation in Newark NJ LOL. My instructor LITERALLY kicked my rear end out of the med room and told me to get back out there (I love her).

Anyhow, two years later I ended up working adult and adolescent detox/rehab, then went to managing group homes for chronically mentally ill, then became a school nurse in an inner city (lots of psych in that job), and finally correction and ER (lots of psych again)! I LOVE psych now, even though I'm not practicing in that specialty.

You are gonna do great, ya know why? Cause you are EXCITED about that specialty and your new position. Being excited is something you should strive for regardless of whether you are new or been in the biz for 30 years! Fight the pressure to burn out and never become apathetic. You can be a great nurse. You can even go to school and be psychiatric nurse practitioner and write your own ticket. The world is at your feet. Dont WORRY. you are going to be great. Be humble, know what you don't know, ask a million questions (never apologize for asking a question). Be careful,know your surroundings, and never NEVER try to give psychotherapy :). Especially on night shift LOL. Be a good listener, but practice redirecting people and setting boundaries :)

GOOD LUCK and keep us posted :o

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I have only been nursing for 6mths. and was so nervous when I first started, its a new and unknown adventure :)

just remind yourself that you are a nurse and this is what you went to school for, you'll be great:yelclap:

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congrats!

Girl, you are lucky, I have been pounding these streets just to get a job. I wish I were in your shoes!! But seriously, you'll be fine, you're probably just nervous, i would be, that time is near. Good luck at orientation. ;)

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My mom has been a pysch nurse for about 20 years and she has been working that same exact shift for the 20 years.

She hates/loves it. She's bored a lot of the time because the patients mostly sleep during her rotation.

However, due to her experience and her time schedule, she is able to maintain another part time job in another hospital for pysch during the evenings.

I'm sure you will do fine! =D

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Specializes in Adult Acute Psych Inpatient.

Thanks guys! My orientation got pushed back to Feb 14th due to low patient census, but I'm still excited! I can't wait to start and I'm going to be spending a lot of time here getting my roots about me :)

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