First nursing job- overwhelmed and nervous.

[m3091]

I've recently finished my BScN and accepted a job on a medical floor. I am waiting on my temporary license to start my orientation on the floor. I was told that my orientation would consist of being paired with a nurse for 4-6 weeks, however I have spoken to some other new grads who have started this week and although they were told the same thing, they were given full patient loads from the get-go, on their own. I am extremely nervous as this is a new facility for me, and not only is the job itself new, but different paperwork, equipment, and new responsibilities as well are making me feel overwhelmed and unprepared. Any advice?

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Many new grads think that 3-4 patients is a "full load." :)

My grandmother always used to say, "Don't borrow trouble."

Wait and see, and for heaven's sake stop telling yourself you're "extremely nervous," "overwhelmed," and "unprepared." You don't know that yet.

Here you are, where you wanted to be when you started nursing school, awaiting that little piece of paper (or plastic, or assortment of electrons) that will tell you that you are, in fact, a registered nurse.

What did you think was going to happen? Smile! Laugh! Jump in with both feet! We need you out here!

[julz68]

You'll be just fine! I work on a medical floor also, had 6 weeks orientation and have been on my own for 5 weeks now. It's normal to feel the way you're feeling, but you'll have a preceptor right with you helping you along the way. Don't be afraid to ask questions! That's what they're there for. Get a good brain sheet to help you also. If you're worried about certain skills, like placing IVs, let everyone know you'd like practice and that you'd be willing to place one on any patient whether it's your own or not. That's what I did and I ended up doing a lot of them while on orientation... now I can do them with confidence and actually enjoy it! I also believe that working on the medical floor is a great place to start as a new grad. So many different patients with different disease processes...you'll learn a lot!! I can honestly say that I love my job! Good luck to you!!! :)