First job starts Wednesday, kinda freakin out!

[notyetnurse]

So a year after graduation, it looks like I'll be officially starting as a clinic nurse in a local branch of Community Health Clinics. My classmate and good friend started about 2 months ago and she is grateful for the job but totally overwhelmed. The training is awesome - about 6 weeks worth and there's some great benefits. Their mission is really nice too. After the 6 weeks, once you get to your individual outreach site, it's just you (the one LPN), a manager (title is LPN 2 but they are instructed NOT to help us for whatever reason), and a PCT plus the 3 doctors. So it's basically the one nurse to 3 doctors doing blood and lab work, etc. This part kind of scares me but being scared also makes me sort of feel like a big baby because I waited a long time for a *legitimate* job and feel like all new nurses are going to be overwhelmed. Besides, is 3 doctors to 1 LPN really that scary of a ratio once you know what you're doing?

Oh, side note - starting Excelsior program in August... planning to ZOOM through it as quick as possible, and as quick as I can afford (new job pays very much on the low side at around $14 an hour). But who knows, maybe in 6-9 months I'll be an RN and will have a bit of clinical experience to match. Better than none, that's for sure. Until then, going to def need some anti-anxiety meds (really really low doses of course) to get through these first months... Goal is to look back at this post in a year and go, "Oh jeez, what the heck was I so afraid of?"

Heather

[mellster, LPN]

The main concern that I would have about this job is why would the manager be instructed not to help you. I know management has other duties and are also busy and cannot "hold your hand", but all the good managers that I have worked with were willing to pitch in as neccesary. Other than that, good luck with your new job-it sound like you will have an opportunity to learn alot!!!