How do I prepare for my first RN job?

RNperdiem, RN · Mar 7, 2012

Do you have a pair of good nursing shoes yet? Start wearing them around the house to break them in a bit.

Are you physically fit?

When I went back to work after having kids, my legs really hurt after standing for 12 hours at a time. I found that keeping fit with strong core muscles helped, and I go home pain-free now.

Do a little review/research on good body mechanics. You are likely to be working with patients who need help with moving, and your body will last longer if you make use of all lifting equipment.

Congrats on the job.

Good Morning, Gil · Mar 7, 2012

Start by learning how to use their "hover mats" and other assistive devices as you'll need them on that floor. Trendelenberg position is very helpful when lifting a patient up in bed (if they can tolerate it) as gravity is your friend. And always take the 2 seconds to raise the bed to an appropriate height; you will regret it years from now otherwise (I'm not speaking from experience as I've been a nurse for only 1.5 yrs).

We get many bariatric (well not technically bariatric, just morbidly obese) patients in our ICU, so utilizing devices and extra people help you to not hurt yourself (always ask for help; do not try to reposition a 400 lb weak patient by yourself).

Aside from how not to hurt yourself on the job lol, just be very willing to learn when you get there, be positive, help other nurses and CNA's (since you will be asking for help a lot), and you want to demonstrate that you're a team player. And, it's just right to help someone else, as well lol.

You can start by reviewing common meds prior to starting, especially common meds that they use for bariatric patients post-op that maybe you haven't been exposed to before. Post-op care for them, etc, if you don't already know it, common dx/nsg care. Reviewing meds, and what to dilute them with, etc, will help you be more confident when you start.

But, you will have to look up a bunch of stuff or ask a seasoned nurse on the job when you're new, which will make you less efficient at first, but safe. Looking something up takes 2 seconds, and then you won't wonder when you get home..."I hope I did that correctly." Patients' lives are in your hands, and you owe it to them to ensure you know what you're doing, even if it requires asking the nurse that looks like she wants to hurt you for help lol. (and don't worry about that too much....read my recent post on experienced nurses :)).

Best of luck! With time, you will get out of work on time :), but there are going to be days or nights that are crazy, and regardless of how awesome your time mgmt is, you will get out late lol.

Also, I find that having a sense of humor is very helpful. With all that we do in our profession, there are times that you just need to laugh. It's healthy.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Mar 7, 2012

ask questions and do not beat yourself up when you don't know what to do. You will learn. A good attitude goes a LOOOOOONG way. Good luck!

allnurses Guide · Mar 7, 2012

It will be tempting to let what other nurses have charted to guide you in your charting and assessments. Resist this urge and make sure you are checking everything out for yourself. Expect to be s.l.o.w. at first.