my first night on my own tonight!!! i am gonna vomit=(((((

[erin01]

ok, so i have now completed 12w of orientation. I did 6 weeks on med surg and 6 weeks on the floor i was hired for. I have now finished my orientation on nights...and tonight is my first night on my own=( i am scared to death any adv? I have asked all my preceptors for adv and suggestions. They all have said good things about me, and i have even spoke to my manager. I have a lot of nice people on the night shift who i know if i needed the help they will help . But uggh i just cant wait to get through these first few months on my own. I know i will never feel ready because there is still so much learning to do. Do you have any adv for me on how to handle myself? nights is so different from days and its a nicer pace for learning i think. I plan to take it a min at a time and i am not afraid to ask for help! i hope that this helps me get through tonight. oh man i am freaking out.

[Jolie, BSN]

You'll do just fine.

It sounds as if you are on a good unit with good people who will help you, if needed.

When I worked the first shift on my own (in a 45-bed NICU), I remember telling my mom that instead of one person looking over my shoulder (my preceptor), I would have 20 people looking over my shoulder (every nurse on the shift!)

[chenoaspirit, ASN, RN]

Its always scarey when you are on your own for the first time. You will do fine, Im sure of it. It sounds like you have alot of support with your coworkers, which will make all the difference. I remember, I was always asking questions, if I was uncomfortable with performing a skill by myself then someone would go with me and guide me thru the process. You are never alone, even though it "feels" like it, you arent. Always remember that. THAT will help keep you calm. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

Go for it!!!!!!! Try your best, do your best! and the best of luck!

Jo

[RXD, RN]

good luck!!

[chicookie, BSN, RN]

I was wondering about you the other day since I had not seen you in a while.

And I am glad you are done with orientation I know its going to be a little rough while you change gears again but trust me its easier than you think.

Remember just do your best! You will be fine!

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

Breathe. Inhale deeply, and as you exhale, let your shoulders relax and clear your mind of chaotic thoughts. Do this before you walk into any patient room, and each time you are feeling overwhelmed.

[phlox]

Remember, even seasoned nurses ask each other for help :)

[yellow_26]

Good luck. I'm sure you'll do great. Just relax :wink2:.

[somuchluv]

The first night is always scary! If you change jobs the first night of the new job will be scary! You'll do great!!! It sounds like you have wonderful support. Do not be afraid to ask for help, but also do not be afraid to do what you know how to do!!! Give yourself some credit!

[FLArn]

After report, check your orders for new meds, IV's labs etc. you need to get done. Then check to see if you have meds due early in shift and/or at odd times. Check if you have any treatments due. Then check your patients and take care of anything that needs done early in the shift. in between rounds keep up with your charting and do any misc. tasks like chart check, etc. You will develop a routine that works for you. Remember this takes time and eventually you'll be an old pro.

[locolorenzo22, BSN, RN]

you'll be fine...if in doubt about ANYTHING, ask! I remember my first night, I wasn't sure how I was going to do the 1 admit and pass my pills and do my charting...before I knew it it was 2am and I was done! Try hard not to beat yourself up if you feel "slower" or if you don't know all the answers...it takes time.