Good idea or not?

Greetings Little Panda, although I must say you look an awful lot like a Mogwai...

Anyway, congratulations- sounds like a great opportunity!

First, consider that it wasn't that long ago when you did your clinicals, so it won't be like a completely alien (get it?) environment to you with all this brand-new technology you've never seen. Also, it sounds like they provide a generous period for orientation and, I would imagine, a seasoned nurse as a preceptor who can help steady you after the training wheels are removed. And last, they must have seen someting in you during the hiring process that intrigued them, so take some confidence from that. Be prepared to communicate openly and frequently with your mentor-nurse. He/she will have a much easier time helping you acculturate to the unit and will have a lot more faith in you if you do. Don't do anything that would be a potential safety risk to you or your patients and speak up if you need another demonstration of technique or a little more time observing before you are ready to do it on your own. Ask for feedback when necessary. And for heaven's sake, keep a notepad close at hand! Come prepared to learn, keep your game face on, and before you know it, you'll be flying solo and someday when the time comes to move up the career ladder, you'll be able to say, "...acute care bedside experience AND I can do case management, too!"

Good luck,

~W.

Greetings Little Panda, although I must say you look an awful lot like a Mogwai...

Anyway, congratulations- sounds like a great opportunity!

First, consider that it wasn't that long ago when you did your clinicals, so it won't be like a completely alien (get it?) environment to you with all this brand-new technology you've never seen. Also, it sounds like they provide a generous period for orientation and, I would imagine, a seasoned nurse as a preceptor who can help steady you after the training wheels are removed. And last, they must have seen someting in you during the hiring process that intrigued them, so take some confidence from that. Be prepared to communicate openly and frequently with your mentor-nurse. He/she will have a much easier time helping you acculturate to the unit and will have a lot more faith in you if you do. Don't do anything that would be a potential safety risk to you or your patients and speak up if you need another demonstration of technique or a little more time observing before you are ready to do it on your own. Ask for feedback when necessary. And for heaven's sake, keep a notepad close at hand! Come prepared to learn, keep your game face on, and before you know it, you'll be flying solo and someday when the time comes to move up the career ladder, you'll be able to say, "...acute care bedside experience AND I can do case management, too!"

Good luck,

~W.

Thank you for responding WindyCDE. I appreciate you advice. I guess the biggest thing that concerns me is I wont have as many days on the floor during orientation due to my full time day job. However, I am going to give it a shot, never know until I try:)