How do you survive the first year?

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Oncology.

I graduated with my BSN in May, passed my NCLEX with 75 questions July 1st and got hired back in April before I graduated on an Oncology unit. Oncology has always been where I pictured myself working, so I jumped on the opportunity without question. I came from out of state so I have only met the nurses on the floor I will be working with once as a kind of "working interview".

Anyway, I start orientation Monday and even though I have my license, I don't feel like a nurse at all yet. I am actually even more terrified after reading some of the first year and orientation horror stories on here. I know they say nurse's eat their young, but I feel like I am able to get along with pretty much anyone.

I just wanted to ask if anyone could give me a head's up as to what orientation/first year is TYPICALLY like. I know it will vary, but I could use some encouragement (not sugar coated) the truth. Also, advice for surviving orientation. I am sorry if this was posted somewhere before, I am still learning to use this site. I appreciate all the input in advance!

Specializes in Anesthesia, ICU, PCU.

In short, there are things you think you know... in fact you think you know a lot in general... and you do and all... but you don't. x365 days.

Specializes in Oncology.

Thanks! I just saw where I probably should have posted this under career/ first year after license... I am still working on the navigation around here. Feel free to move it.

Specializes in Peds critical care.

The only thing that drives me nuts about working with new nurses is when they are extremely cocky and act like a know it all or they are too afraid to ask questions.

Had one new grad get cocky as you know what recently when it was pointed out to him that his patient was a whole lot sicker than he thought they were.

Also had a different new grad completely avoid orders on a critical patient recently because she was terrified and too afraid to ask questions.

Either situation could have had a bad outcome for the patient if another nurse not been paying attention.

So my advice is to be a good listener, ask questions, try to pull your own weight as best you can.

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