How was your first few weeks working as a nurse?

[Ms.RN]

hi all!!!

i was just wondering, after you passed your boards and started working as a nurse, how did you guys feel for few weeks? were you overwhlemed by all the work you have to do? or did you find is easy to adapt to it? did you guys knew what you are doing or you didnt know a lot of things in the beginning? how do you guys deal with it if you didn't know how things are done? i'll be working in long term care facility.

[hllybenn]

I felt like I had a good transition. Besides the boring 2 weeks of orientation (general nursing orientation). Once I got to the floor- I felt like I was prepared- there were bad days (there still are) and better days. I had a great week with one preceptor and then a not so great week with a sccond one and did not say anything and then when I had a 3rd (this is the norm on my floor) who was out to lunch - I spoke up- and things went well after that.

Speak up- tell them what you need/want. I needed to find my own timing- not do what someone wanted me too- and I told one of them that- and she looked like she had been shot. Oh well. We work together fine, now.

Best of Luck. I had 6 weeks- in a university teaching urban hospital.

[nekhismom]

AT my first job, I transitioned well. I had an excellent preceptor who worked well with me and my learning style. I LOVED that job.

My second job (after only ~2 months at the first job, in another state, mind you), has been completely different. I have NOT transitioned well, I've been given a terrible time by the nurses, etc. I could have written the article quoted on the "i hate my first job" thread myself.

I think it all depends on the unit, the culture, and how willing they are to accept new grads.