Grad Nurse Support Circle!

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Specializes in oncology.

Am i the only grad nurse here on the boards? Is signing your name with an RN exhilarating? Is freaking out at the sight of a medication chart that doesn't get co-signed normal? How are people finding their grad years?

I'm doing a specific oncology grad program and Monday marks 6 months since i started. I'M LOVING IT! Everyone who works on my ward are incredibly friendly and even night shifts (which i'm currently on!) aren't that painful!

I've found the basics for a sucessful grad year

*debrief time with your nursing friends with a bottle of red

*a good team to work with

*a nightlight that slips over your ear

*cup-a-soup for those cold nights or times you don't have time for a meal

Comments, questions, ideas, stories?

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Specializes in Community, Renal, OR.

I love to hear that you are enjoying your grad year, the peer group of friends that you form will last forever. I agree, signing your name with an RN is exhilarating, and after 26 years, it still is for me.

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Specializes in Jack of all trades, and still learning.

I'm halfway through. Its great to be able to write the word RN after my name - I've got through my uni course! But I always feel conscious that I probably may not live up to what I want to be, although I am getting good reports. Does that make sense? My programme covers a wide variety of specialties, so that helps. BTW I think the idea of an Australian support circle is great...

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical.

Hi,

I'm coming to the end of my first six months, I will be moving onto neurosurgery next, I'm looking forward to that.

I trained in the UK but came here for my first job and am loving it so far, it took a while to get used to the differences and I miss the UK a lot, but I don't regret choosing to work here.

I agree when you say that you feel conscious that you may not probably live up to what you want to be, Dar15, I have those thoughts too. I have to remind myself that I'm only 6 months into my career, I expect a lot from myself, but as long as I keep striving to be the nurse that I see myself to be, then I am happy.

And yes, I do love being able to put RN after my name! :D

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Just finishing 12 months since graduating, I have been fostered by wonderful preceptors and colleagues. The patient /nurse ratio has been carefully monitored. And it is with pride that I sign RN by my name. I feel valued where I work.

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Specializes in Jack of all trades, and still learning.

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Specializes in Jack of all trades, and still learning.

Kiwinurse, do you feel your role has changed now you have finished that year? Do you feel more or less confident? Do you feel that your base of support from your colleagues has increased or decreased? Does the transition from grad RN to RN seem smooth? Its just that we all will be there eventually...

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I feel I have more knowledge and experience and am able to take on more responsibility. So my role is changing as I am able to cope with new situations. I feel I can still ask my colleaugues for advice if it is needed.

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Specializes in Medical, Paeds, Ob gyn, NICU.

Well I'm not a grad yet.....finish Uni on 15th dec (the count down in on LOL)

I put my application in to do my grad year at the local hospital on thursday, so now the waiting starts.........

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Specializes in Jack of all trades, and still learning.
Well I'm not a grad yet.....finish Uni on 15th dec (the count down in on LOL)

I put my application in to do my grad year at the local hospital on thursday, so now the waiting starts.........

Nearly there girl, you'll be finished before you know it!

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Specializes in Mental Health, Orthopaedics, MedSurg.

Hello New Grads!!!

Would any of you be willing to post interview questions which you were asked at your interview? I am sure any advise will be most appreciated.

And, No, I am not a new grad ......... just like to be helpful. Thanks

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Well I'm not a grad yet.....finish Uni on 15th dec (the count down in on LOL)

I put my application in to do my grad year at the local hospital on thursday, so now the waiting starts.........

I have my interview with my first choice of hospital in a couple of weeks! I'm stressed over the interview and then the stress of the first year, what if I make a huge mistake, I feel like I've forgotten everything I've learned at uni already!

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