My first placement ever!

Silverdragon102, BSN · Feb 21, 2006

Hi Everyone,
I start my first placement at the hospital tomorrow at 1:00 till 9:00. I'm very nervous as I dont really know what to expect and what my mentor will expect from me:uhoh3: . Could anyone give me any points on what I will be expected to do on my first day? I've never done any health care work before, so I'm quite anxious about what it will actually be like. It would great if any one could give me any tips, thanks.
Heidi

Don't panic... :) for first day you shouldn't be expected to do a lot, anything you are asked to do and not sure ASK and keep asking until you feel happy.

Good luck

Heidi 87 · Feb 21, 2006

Oh thanks Anna, I will definately ask if I am unsure of anything.

Heidi :rolleyes:

debbieuk · Feb 21, 2006

CONGRATS on choosing nursing!!!!!!!!

your first day should be orientating to the ward and meeting staff and your mentor. let them know it's your first ever time on placement. you will probably find that you work with the HCA's at first learning basic skills and getting to know where thing are and how they are done.

UTILISE the HCA's they helped me LOADS!!! sometimes it can be daunting asking the qualified staff questions and HCA's tend to know everthing anyway.

main thing is to enjoy it- there will be bad and good days. on the bad days remember why you wanted to nurse and don't let ANYONE put you off.

good luck

debbie

Heidi 87 · Feb 21, 2006

Ahh thanks for that great advice Debbie! I'm now starting to feel abit more confident about going on to the ward tomorrow.

Heidi :rolleyes:

ut_utRN · Feb 21, 2006

Congratulations and Goodluck!!!!! I presume that your first day will be mainly on intoducing you with other health workers that you will be working with, familiarization of the work area and where are things located. It is always helpful to inform them that it is your first placement and I am pretty sure that they will be glad to assist and guide you. If you are unsure of anything do not hesitate to ask them....ENJOY!!!!

Heidi 87 · Feb 21, 2006

Ahh, thanks for that last reply. :rolleyes:

Fonenurse · Feb 21, 2006

I agree with all the others - and please bear in mind, if you have never done anything like this before - it may well seem really weird - and that's fine! I still remember my first placement - and it was 27 years ago - and I felt panic and fear, and I still think it was just the fear of the unknown. I have no regrets I hasten to add - it was and will always be for me the best career choice in the world - just take things one moment at a time and enjoy the diverse world of nursing! Welcome to the family of nursing!