First shift tomorrow!

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Specializes in LTC.

I just accepted a job(on call 3-11). I got a tour of the facility yesterday. Everyone was very nice and I'm excited to start.

I am a new LPN. I just graduated over the summer. This is my first nursing job. I want to do well but I feel like I know absolutely nothing. I learned alot in nursing school and I did well in my classes and clinical but I feel like I forgot EVERYTHING.

Does anyone work or ever worked evening shift? What are pros and cons? What is a typical(or hectic) shift like?

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O' congratulations, wish i was in your shoes. I'm a new LPN too, still searching and looking for a job. I can't wait for that 1st shift as well, all those nerves and heartbeats. I also feel I forgot everything. Goodluck. Hope someone replies to your thread!

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Specializes in Peds general and ICU/Comm. Disease RN.

:yeah:congrats on your 1st nursing job!

i have been a rn for 20 years, but i certainly remember that 1st day on duty!!!!!!!!! i was terrified!!!!! but........within a few minutes of being on the floor i was warmly welcomed and settled in quickly. attitude plays such a huge part in how we do in situations. of course, you need to have the "skills", but past that, just have a great attitude. be thankful to those who take you under their wing. be excited about doing your work. be willing to help out fellow nurses when they are behind. show gratitude to all of the support staff. you will do fine!!!!!!!!!

keep us posted!!

shelly

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Wait....you said on call...are they going to give an orientation? You said you were a new grad. Please tell me you will have a preceptor.

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Specializes in LTC.
Wait....you said on call...are they going to give an orientation? You said you were a new grad. Please tell me you will have a preceptor.

I am on orientation for the rest of the month they said. My first shift last night went well. I shadowed both of the lpns on the unit and I feel I have a very good idea of what a shift is like, the med pass, narcotic count, etc.

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Specializes in Peds general and ICU/Comm. Disease RN.

Well, you made it through your 1st shift! Congrats! You will begin to feel much more comfortable. But....a good RN never gets too "comfortable" or complacent....hang in there!!!:anpom:

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Specializes in LTC.
Well, you made it through your 1st shift! Congrats! You will begin to feel much more comfortable. But....a good RN never gets too "comfortable" or complacent....hang in there!!!:anpom:

I feel that I have a very good foundation of an idea of what a shift is like..

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That's great! Congratulations. It is wonderful that you feel comfortable with the team. I'm a new grad myself, and I am now a full-time nurse in LTC.

Just remember that every day will be different, and full of little interruptions. Evenings where I work consist of skin checks, changing duoderms, night meds, and following-up of day shift.

Many times I have come home freaking out but I always go back.

Be confident, and let the CNA's and others know how grateful you are. Always tell them Thank YOU!

I fell that as a newbie, it is a journey of learning that is never over. There are so many things to learn, and develop.

Develop good habits now. Close the mar when you walk away, make sure the cart is always locked, you keys are locked.

Some residents will be sundowning in your shift, and so learn to focus on how you can get the job done while helping the many residents who all need help. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

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Specializes in LTC.

My orientation is going well. The nurse I shadowed with tonight helped me enforce good habits while I passed meds to a couple residents at 8pm. There are a few patients with g-tubes so I learned how to give meds via the g-tube.

I'm starting to form a routine with the med pass. I'm also starting to learn how residents like their meds which really helps alot.

One thing that ticked me off a bit was interruptions from non nursing staff and residents. I totally lost my train of thought which was weak to begin with and had to re-figure out what meds I had to find.

The shift FLIES! I feel like I blink and its over already.

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