I am having a hard time adjusting to my first nursing job, any advice?

Nurses LPN/LVN

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And I'm having a little hard time adjusting. I'm brand new to the field of dermatology, and I'm also having a hard time trying to "mingle" with these nurses who have been there for years. They are all also almost over 10-15 years older than me, with an exception of one who is a year older than me, and the other 8 years older. I also had this problem in nursing school, having a hard time not being shy with others whom are all older than me. I'm generally not really a shy person, but when it comes to all these nurses, I feel like I'm a nervous wreck going to work everyday. Does anyone know any ways to help calm my nerves, and to help adjust a little better? I feel that if I were more confident in myself, then It wouldn't be a problem. Any advice?? :cry:

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Specializes in LTC, Medicare visits.

Actually after 23 years, I started a new job and I feel the same way!!! There is always a pecking order and soon enough you'll figure out how you fit in. Don't worry about the "older nurses" actually you will learn alot from their years in the field. Once they see you will stay, the will open up and show you lots of stuff. Read alot of things about dermatology and be helpful and you will do just fine. Good Luck:wink2:

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Thank you so much for your response. I really needed to hear that. I am trying to read up a little here and there on Dermatology, it's actually very interesting to me. There is quite a lot of information in this field to take in at one right now, so I am a little overwhelmed. Again, thank you for your time for your response. I didn't think anyone knew how I felt..

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Specializes in LTC, Medicare visits.

Well I do, the funny thing is most of the nurses, I'm working with are my age or older, but most have been LPN's for the past 3-4 years. During orientation they were explaining EVERYTHING to me. Mind you not how the facility runs, paperwork, transfers, etc. They were telling me about what a medication is used for, how to do dressing change, or about Alzheimers and dementia symptoms. Finally in a nice way I said " Uh, I've been working in geriatrics 23 years", then it was "Oh", then it was easy and I felt comfortable asking questions and giving advice. If I was new to nursing they were excellent teachers, and hopefully you will find a nurse at your place like them. What happened is I finished orientation early with them telling the DON that " She should be orientating us"- that made me feel good. :redbeathe

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