First 2 weeks as a nurse - The impressions of a newbie.

Hey folks!

As some of you may know, I am a newly-graduated and licensed LPN. I was hired at my local hospital on a Meg/Surg floor, and have completed the first two weeks of an orientation period of indeterminate length (I'll be turned loose on my own when the NM, my preceptor, and myself all feel that I am ready - not before). I wanted to report my impressions of these first two weeks to any who might be interested.

So far, the pace has been reasonable. My preceptor and I have had no more than 4 pts at a time, and at least one of these has been scheduled for discharge each day - also, the first admission after a discharge is ours as well. It has been explained to me that this is d/t the need to learn both admission and discharge procedures fully. Also, we share a tech with two other nurses, so I have extra time to worry about charting in the computer instead of constantly dealing with "code brown's". LPNs here do everything the RNs do except admission assessments and careplans.

My preceptor is an uncommonly capable LPN with more than 30 years experience. In our first 30 minutes together she assessed my comfort level and skills levels (I have some prior healthcare background), and then asked me three questions: 1) What is it that you expect to learn from me? 2) How best do you think you'll learn them?; and 3) What skill/area/procedure set, etc. do you think is your weakest?

I answered her just as directly. "My skills and basic knowledge level is pretty good, and I am comfortable dealing with patients, but I will have the most trouble with unit and facility P&Ps, and the specific way we computer chart and document meds. I desperately need a good understanding of the work routines and expected duties. As to how I learn best, I wish you'd throw me in the deep end and be standing immediately by to toss me a life preserver as needed." So... that is how we're doing it.

The first day, I mostly trailed her, doing tasks as directed and watching everything she did and how she did it. Starting on day 2, I did nearly everything with her watching my every move, directing me anywhere I asked or with anything she could see I was unfamiliar with. This progression has continued. She has so far maintained the "organization" aspect of our shift: what needs to be done next, and for which pt, etc. Starting tomorrow, all that changes. She told me today that from now own, our patients would be my patients, and she would only "keep you from messing up". I promised to ask any questions I had before doing anything.

My floor is busy, with barely enough time to do everything we need to for our patients. However, I do not feel as if the pace is impossibly frantic, or the workload on any of our staff is too great. Day shift averages 1:5 nurse/pt ratio, and the processes seem to be 95+ percent optimized. Not saying we haven't had a few hectic days, but on the whole they seem manageable.

Let me take a few lines to address "eating new nurses" and toxic environments. While some of my new coworkers are not terribly outgoing or overly friendly with "the new guy", all without exception have been helpful and professional to/with this new nurse. I haven't seen any of the "cattiness" or negativity others have suggested is routine.

Overall, my initial impression of this profession and my starting position within it is positive. I have seen a few things that I'd adjust, had I the power to do so, but on the whole, I have found satisfaction with my new career.

Any "words of wisdom" would be appreciated.