Easy transition to RN?

[EDRN-2010]

Did anyone out there think the transition to nurse from student nurse was seamless/easier than expected?

If you did have an easy transition, why do you think this was the case?

- Was it your previous experience as a CNA, LPN, EMT, etc? The clinical experiece you received in school? The preceptor, training, or support you received after hire? Working in another field/caring for people in a different way (waitstaff, hairdresser, business person, etc)? Or something else?

[asfreeasabird]

I wouldn't say it is ever easy transitioning from student to professional nurse. There are a few things that can make the switch easier including previous nursing(emt etc.) experience, a floor with great teamwork, and the employer's orientation for new graduates. As a rule of thumb it takes approximately 6months to feel comfortable on the new job. The best piece of advice I can give you is to do your own work. If you don't know how to do something ask for help, and participate in learning how to do it next time. We have a local community college and our floor hires new graduates with each graduating class. I think the ones who do best the first few months know what they know and don't know. Occasionally we have ones that need some hand holding for the first little bit which really seems to wear on the experienced nurses. I work on a general medical floor and don't plan on going to a different department any time soon because of the excellent teamwork on our floor, even as a student I knew which floor I wanted to be on and this has helped immensely. Best of luck

[EDRN-2010]

Thanks for the info! I was more just looking to hear stories of success to inspire all the soon to be nurses out there.

I wouldn't say it is ever easy transitioning from student to professional nurse. There are a few things that can make the switch easier including previous nursing(emt etc.) experience, a floor with great teamwork, and the employer's orientation for new graduates. As a rule of thumb it takes approximately 6months to feel comfortable on the new job. The best piece of advice I can give you is to do your own work. If you don't know how to do something ask for help, and participate in learning how to do it next time. We have a local community college and our floor hires new graduates with each graduating class. I think the ones who do best the first few months know what they know and don't know. Occasionally we have ones that need some hand holding for the first little bit which really seems to wear on the experienced nurses. I work on a general medical floor and don't plan on going to a different department any time soon because of the excellent teamwork on our floor, even as a student I knew which floor I wanted to be on and this has helped immensely. Best of luck

[cokristinug]

My transition was easier because I was a CNA in the same hospital for 2 years in nursing school. I knew the people, the routine and what was expected of me. Although no CNA experience could have prepared me for the responsibility I have for each patient and that is still hard to adjust to each day.