First nursing job

[Kylee Renee]

Hey, all. I am an LPN student in Indiana and I have 8 weeks left of my program. As I'm studying for NCLEX and getting ready to look for jobs in 8 weeks or so, I'm getting nervous about starting my first job. I'm not really sure what job to go for in the first place. I would like a doctors office job, but the more I think about it I know I am just wanting that because it's a "safe" choice because I am scared of the hospital setting. The other part of me wants to dive right into a hospital job and learn everything there is to learn. My question is, when all of you were starting your first jobs, were you as terrified as I am and felt like you weren't ready to take on the real world as a nurse yet? How long does it take to feel comfortable out there on the floor?

[kiszi, RN]

I' m sorry to tell you that you may not have much choice in where your first job is, depending on the job market in your area. Tons of new grads are out there unemployed or taking whatever job they can get. Are your local hospitals hiring LPNs? If not you may need to look at LTC/SNF, which is where a lot of new LPNs get started.

Everybody is nervous/worried coming out of school. You've got the basics now, but most of your learning on how to "be a nurse" will come on the job. It usually takes at least 6 months to a year to feel like you're "getting it".

Not trying to scare you, just giving you the reality of it. Be safe, remember always to do your checks and double checks, and you'll do fine!

Start networking for job leads NOW.

[Kylee Renee]

Thank you. I knew I wouldn't really have a choice necessarily, but whatever jobi find I wanted to know how long it would take to find my "groove" in the place. I appreciate your feedback

[Crazed]

It takes 18 months in any job to begin to feel competent.

[schnookimz]

I would say 6 months.

[nurseling]

I was never "terrified" per say. I was a bit nervous to start work as a nurse, but I knew I'd have preceptors and be in good hands. It was when I was done orientation that got me a bit scared, but then I realized that I will never technically be alone. There is always support from staff around you, round the clock. It is really working as a team.

I enjoy the pace of floor nursing. I like interacting with a wide variety of patients and families. You get to learn about people from all walks of life.

What took getting used to was the logistics of the work. There is a lot of paper work and procedures to learn, but once you get the hang of the routine, things flow. You just have to be open to the unexpected, because it happens everyday. If you see it as a challenge, rather than a stressor, things will work out well for you.