First nursing job

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Specializes in Ortho.

I finally got my first nursing job! I start July 24th in an ortho/trauma unit at a hospital I am extremely unfamiliar with. I know it's a great hospital, I'm not worried about that, but I had hoped to get my first job at the hospital I did clinicals at where I knew where everything was and knew policies and knew the nurses. I know I'll have orientation and a preceptor, but I'm just nervous because of being so unfamiliar with it. I'm also anxious because of how long it's been since I graduated. I had hoped to be working as a tech straight out of school until I passed NCLEX, but now it will be about two and a half months since graduation by the time I actually start the job. Any advice for the nerves? And new nurse advice period? Thanks in advance :)

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to First Year after licensure forum

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I'm on the same boat! Got my first RN job and start the same day you do. I'm a nervous wreck too. I just got my BSN in December. I have a friend working in the same unit I got hired In And she says it's a great place so I'm so excited but a ball of nerves too. Good luck to you!!

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I finally got my first nursing job! I start July 24th in an ortho/trauma unit at a hospital I am extremely unfamiliar with. I know it's a great hospital, I'm not worried about that, but I had hoped to get my first job at the hospital I did clinicals at where I knew where everything was and knew policies and knew the nurses. I know I'll have orientation and a preceptor, but I'm just nervous because of being so unfamiliar with it. I'm also anxious because of how long it's been since I graduated. I had hoped to be working as a tech straight out of school until I passed NCLEX, but now it will be about two and a half months since graduation by the time I actually start the job. Any advice for the nerves? And new nurse advice period? Thanks in advance :)

Try not to panic! :)

You will become familiar and comfortable with this new hospital, just like you did with the hospital where you had your clinicals.

Also, 2.5 months isn't very long, and I'm sure you'll be fine. If it would make you feel more comfortable, you could always refresh your memory before starting your new job. But, once you start working, I'm sure you'll remember everything and it will feel natural.

Congratulations and good luck! :)

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Specializes in Travel, Home Health, Med-Surg.

You will be fine, Sometimes it can be better to start with a clean slate. Nobody will expect you (as a new grad) to know everything, including ortho etc., 2.5 months is not a long time at all. Try to remain calm, ask appropriate questions (ie those things you are not sure about) because you don't need more anxiety once you go home (wondering if you did the right thing etc.), try to be helpful and learn as much as you can from seasoned nurses, ask charge for help/questions, don't get involved in office politics, don't gossip or bad mouth others, just keep it simple and professional, just know that it takes most new grads at least 1-2 years to feel comfortable, make sure you document to CYA, don't beat yourself up over mistakes (we all make them), just give it time and things will work out. Congrats and good luck!!

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