new job starts next week...am i prepared? advice!

Nurses General Nursing

Published

So I'm starting a new position next week. It is in an inpatient surgery center, all of the surgeries are elective (mostly joint replacements) and it is privately owned, beautiful place. I am so excited that I got it!! I've been a nurse for almost 3 years, but I have been working in mainly clinic settings, so it's been a bit since I've done bedside care. I feel confident in my abilities, but it's definitely an adjustment.

I've been watching about 1 million videos a day on everything from shift report, to dressing changes, care for knees/hips, surviving night shift, patient deterioration...I've made up my nursing folder, made my own brain sheet (I'll try and attach it, I'd love any advice on what I should add/remove), got my nursing bag, going to meal plan...what am I missing??

I'm starting the first few weeks on day shift, but then will be permanently on nights (7p to 7a). Anyone else work in a surgery center like this? I have my BLS, but will have to get my ACLS there.

I'm trying to be as prepared as possible going into this, because I want to really get the best experience and do the best I can here. It really is a privilege to have a job at this center, because they are NEVER hiring--their nurses stay, and are treated very, very well.

Any advice is appreciated!! Thank you fellow nurses!

So IDK how to attach files, but here's what I have on my report sheet: I have 3 columns on the front, 3 on the back, since I will have at max 6 patients, but usually 4-5--name, room, age, code, allergies, admit, doc, surgery, history, diet, activity, weight, I/O, precautions, assessment, incision, IV, catheter, labs, and then I have each hour from 1900 to 0700 for notes listed out.

Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).

I don't have any advice, but wanted to say that it sounds like you're going both guns on this new position, mrs.hmartin.rn!

Congratulations and good luck!

Specializes in Case manager, float pool, and more.

I don't have advise either. Sounds like you are being proactive and that is great. I just want to say congratulations and wish you the best.

thank you Crush, BSN!

Thank you! I'm trying to :)

Get your orientation and go from there. You are overthinking this and developing analysis paralysis.

Good luck, let us know how it's going.

+ Add a Comment