How does all this work...the transition from school to career?

grinnurse, RN · Jan 7, 2006

hi. i'm presently in an accelerated program for 15 months. i finished my first semster with flying colors. my question is though...how do you make that transition from school ro work?
time and persistency
at this point...it's so much info that is being tossed at us that stuff gets pushed out to make room for new stuff. and i seriously worry how the hell i'll be able to make it as a nurse. yes...i fall asleep in class (it's hard not to when you only get 5 hours sleep bc all you do is study and try to keep up)

remember those days all too well!!
what is interning / residency for nurses?
these programs usually consist of both on the floor time with a preceptor and "didactal"/classroom time.
how long is orientation and what do you do? are you on the floor with patients? or it is like classroom teachin all over again?
orientation can be as long as 6 months or as short as 6 weeks. the teaching is more specific to the area that you choose to practice in, but yes, there could be classroom teaching involved.
does anyone else feel as if they know absolutely nothing when the start and have to apply everything to real life situations?:rotfl:
anything i can do now to smooth that transition??
good lord yes!! or at least i did anyway. that's why you have the "orientation" period. most hospitals won't let you, as new student, just go off on your own and if they suggest that, i suggest looking for a different place of employment!! you should be gradually put with patients, the number of patients will depend on area, but should graduate the number of pts that you care for as the orientation time progresses. this is the time to ask tons of questions, listen, watch, and learn from the more experienced nurse on the unit. after you "graduate" and take your first job, is when your learning really begins. you will begin to put 2 & 2 together from your classroom learning and this will continue forever!!
any tips will be greatly appeciated.

the best tip that i can give you at this time is to successfully get through school and then worry about this.

good luck completing school!!