Starting first job--- really nervous

Queen2u · May 17, 2009

CONGRATS ON FINDING A JOB!!!!!!!! There are many of us out there waiting to do just that. At least you got your foot in the door! Your DON knows you are a new graduate nurse and will expect that there are a few things you will need help with here and there. Go in there knowing that and don't be afraid to ask for help! I'm pretty sure you will be fine. A little nervousness is expected. :twocents: Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sarahgrad09 · May 17, 2009

Hi chloe,

I'm also about to start my new (and first) job as an RN - I start on Friday and I'm also nervous about it. I went to an ADN program and we had a pretty solid technichal skills aspect to our program. If it offers any comfort, I've found that none of them are as hard as they seem and after doing them a few times in clinical I have become much, much more comfortable with each skill. Also - some of the most comforting advice I've gotten is to approach the new job with confidence in yourself - if there's a skill you're not comfortable with, it's just because you haven't done it much and other nurses will probably be very understanding and willing to help and guide you through it - it's not because you are deficient in some way! We're brand new nurses, we can't expect to be masters of everything going in! That has helped me, I hope it helps you.

beat2beat · May 18, 2009

Thanks for the advice. I am trying not to let my nerves get the better of me. I mean, the DON must have seen something she liked to hire me, knowing that I am a new greeeeen new grad.

The lack of technical skills has always been a concern for me, but I guess they can be easily learned. I can whip out a care plan and critically think pretty well. I do think the BSN programs need to get a little more solid on the skills too though.

Good luck on your new job! Mail and let us know how it goes. I am not sure how to set up PM so if anyone knows how to do that, please let me know. We are very fortunate to have been hired the way things are right now.

NewEnglandRN, RN · May 18, 2009

Hi Chloe girl,

It is nerve-wracking to start a new job, especially your first Nursing job. Here are a few things to remember:

if you have quesions, ask! Seriously! If there is a technical skill you have not done in awhile, if the opportunity comes up, watch one and then do it. I think many Nurses learn by doing hands-on.
be yourself! Smile, interact with the staff and residents.
most importantly, remember you only have ONE orientation. Try to get the most from it! If you need to extend it, ask you DON.

Good luck to you and congratulations on your first job! :yeah:

onetiredmomma · May 18, 2009

Chloe girl, Welcome to nursing!! The most important thing to remember is to not let anyone at any job take advantage of you. If you don't know, ask and if the person you ask isn't willing to help, find someone who is. It is my understanding you don't have a lot of staff in SNF to turn to so make sure you have a resource available to mentor you. Take a deep breath, hide your shakey hands and enjoy your new career!

MichelleB34 · May 18, 2009

Set up PM, not sure what you mean. I don't know if it will help but remember that all your new coworkers were new at one time. We all have to start somewhere. Just take it one day at a time. Good luck.

beat2beat · May 18, 2009

I am so glad you all are out there, because I would really be feeling a lot more scared right now if you were not out there for me. I have some questions if any one would like to toss out their thoughts I'd appreciate it.

How long of an orientation is usually sufficient?

During orientation are you with a nurse, I mean do they teach you?

There is this saying, "watch it once, do it once, teach it once" Is it o.k. to not feel comfortable doing it by yourself after the "once" or are we expected to just get it?

From what I am understanding I will be a registered nurse supervisor. Once done with orientation I will be managing the LPNs, LVNs and CNAs any advice on supervising and delegation? As a student I always treated my CNAs like gold. I really learned a lot from them. The DON said she is having alot of trouble with the CNA's hanging at the end of the hall chit chatting instead of working and that there is a lot of negativity among the staff. I am biting off quite a bit here and I know it, but I also know I will be great once I catch on. O.k. hit me with delegation, prioritization and managerial wisdom. PLEASE. Thank you so much for being here. If I could give you all hug I would! Consider yourselves hugged and greatly appreciated!!!!

NewEnglandRN, RN · May 18, 2009

There is this saying, "watch it once, do it once, teach it once" Is it o.k. to not feel comfortable doing it by yourself after the "once" or are we expected to just get it?
Yes, I have heard "see one, do one, teach one"- if you are not comfortable with the procedure, you can ask to see another one or have the Nurse talk you through it. The more you get to 'practice' the better you will become. If it is a skill you do not have often, like an NG tube, ask for help.
As far as delagation, become familiar with the scope of practice for the LVNs. Ask for a job description for the CNAs; then you will not what they are able to do at your facility.
Don't worry, it will all fit into place and you will be fine. Sounds like you have a lot on your plate for the first job!
Best of luck :heartbeat
:paw:

pookatunie · May 18, 2009

Chloe Girl,

I too, am a BSN grad (UCONN). I entered the workforce in 1987, and was scared to death!! I also took my first job in Georgia, where everyone commented on my Yankee accent, which made things even tougher.

I worked for 6 years, had children, left the workforce, and have returned to hospital nursing 1 year ago. So, I had to get through the "new nurse" jitters all over again. I agree with the previous post about making the most out of your orientation. Ask lots and lots of questions; ask for opportunities to perform procedures -- ask all the nurses, not just your preceptor. You'll catch on, really you will. There are so many procedures that we only do once in a while, so we're kind of all "green" on something!

The one thing I had trouble with when I first graduated was delegating to the CNA's. Some are very easy to work with, and some have difficult personalities and seem to want to test you. My suggestion would be to emphasize the "team approach", and offer to help with the bed baths, empty Foleys when you can, etc. There are workers that will try to walk all over you (but, that's the same in any profession.)

Remember that in nursing, you have so many different areas that you can work. Try and make it one year in a job, and then you will have so many choices open to you. I have been in my PCU job for a little over a year, and my head is spinning trying to decide between home hospice, inpatient hospice, teaching at a local technical school, etc.

Blessings to you as you make an impact in other peoples' lives. Nursing is such a great opportunity to touch others.

pookatunie · May 18, 2009

Chloe Girl,

I too, am a BSN grad (UCONN). I entered the workforce in 1987, and was scared to death!! I also took my first job in Georgia, where everyone commented on my Yankee accent, which made things even tougher.

I worked for 6 years, had children, left the workforce, and have returned to hospital nursing 1 year ago. So, I had to get through the "new nurse" jitters all over again. I agree with the previous post about making the most out of your orientation. Ask lots and lots of questions; ask for opportunities to perform procedures -- ask all the nurses, not just your preceptor. You'll catch on, really you will. There are so many procedures that we only do once in a while, so we're kind of all "green" on something!

The one thing I had trouble with when I first graduated was delegating to the CNA's. Some are very easy to work with, and some have difficult personalities and seem to want to test you. My suggestion would be to emphasize the "team approach", and offer to help with the bed baths, empty Foleys when you can, etc. There are workers that will try to walk all over you (but, that's the same in any profession.)

Remember that in nursing, you have so many different areas that you can work. Try and make it one year in a job, and then you will have so many choices open to you. I have been in my PCU job for a little over a year, and my head is spinning trying to decide between home hospice, inpatient hospice, teaching at a local technical school, etc.

Blessings to you as you make an impact in other peoples' lives. Nursing is such a great opportunity to touch others.

beat2beat · May 18, 2009

pookatunie,

I promised myself that no matter what, I'd stay a year on this job. Some of my classmates are on their 3rd job already and most of us just sat for boards in March or April. It will be tough, I know, but I am eager for the opportunity, am nervous about starting but can't wait to get started.

Great idea about helping out the CNA's. Like I said in my earlier post, they are golden to me. I have and will continue to learn from them as well. I know being respectful and helpful to the CNA's makes life alot easier.

The Nurse Practice Act is where I should refer to for proper delegation administration, right?