Just Hired into a Med-Surg unit...and am TERRIFIED!

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I just got a position as a new graduate nurse on a Medical-Surgical unit working nights and every 3rd weekend. For some reason, I feel TERRIFIED...like I will not know anything. I graduated back in May, so it has been a while since I have practiced my skills. The new grad orientation is 90 days long and they even told me that if I did not feel ready to be on my own after that time...I could have longer. I will work with a preceptor and only start out with 1-2 patients at the most.

I am scared that the other nurses will think I am an idiot if I ask a lot of questions. :( I go in December for my health check/registration and general 2 day hospital orientation then everything starts from there. And to top it off, I have NEVER worked night shift.

All of the nurses that are there have told me it is a great unit to learn on, because you get the hang of standard protocol for various surgeries like hip and knee replacements, among other things.

Any advice for me? :confused: I am just worried....I am an RN, BSN and dont want to look stupid. The thought of being alone and having so much responsibility just freaks me out.

Help calm my nerves please!:eek::nurse:

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.

Relax, they are expecting a new grad, not an experienced nurse. You are not the first new grad they have trained. Don't worry about having graduated last May. You didn't really learn much about nursing in school anyway.

BWT your coworkers will only worry about you if you DON'T ask lots of questions.

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Hi!

First of all congratulations on your new job!!! I know you probably wanted posts from experienced nurses, but I am a new grad in the same boat as you. Graduated in May, just got hired on a med/surg unit, and feel like I may go in knowing nothing in comparison to everyone else. I think the previous poster is right in saying that they may not expect us to know very much. But do ask about the things you don't know. I plan to at the very least review basics (like lab values, etc) and brush up on a some of the conditions I know I will see commonly on the unit. My orientation will be about as long as yours and I imagine that they will teach us very much along the way so that we are ready to be on our own when the time comes. I don't know whether or not you are spiritual, but prayer ALWAYS helps me to calm my nerves. I hope that all goes well and congrats again! :D

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Hi!

First of all congratulations on your new job!!! I know you probably wanted posts from experienced nurses, but I am a new grad in the same boat as you. Graduated in May, just got hired on a med/surg unit, and feel like I may go in knowing nothing in comparison to everyone else. I think the previous poster is right in saying that they may not expect us to know very much. But do ask about the things you don't know. I plan to at the very least review basics (like lab values, etc) and brush up on a some of the conditions I know I will see commonly on the unit. My orientation will be about as long as yours and I imagine that they will teach us very much along the way so that we are ready to be on our own when the time comes. I don't know whether or not you are spiritual, but prayer ALWAYS helps me to calm my nerves. I hope that all goes well and congrats again! :D

Good luck to you as well! And I also believe in the power of prayer....we will be okay. We need to be like sponges and soak up all of the new knowledge. Have you started your new position yet?

I think I will brush up on things too. And congrats!!!!!!

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Like PMFB said ... people who DON'T ask questions are the ones that worry me! :D Congratulations, and good luck!! :)

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

I'm in the same boat I graduated in may ab just got hired into a progressive care unit and I start on nov 29th my orientation is 18 weeks but just like your program if I feel like I need longer I can stay on. Be confident! We came this far!!!! We can do this!!! Pray works as well! And dont forget to ask questions and ask for help!!! Good luck!

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Thank yall! I will remember to ask questions, I usually do when I am unclear about ANYTHING ;)

And you are right AKANurse....we CAN do this and will succeed! Good luck to you too!!!!!

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Specializes in ED.

I am with PMFB and LunahRN - I too would be worried if you weren't scared.

And have another round, from me, of, "Ask, ask, ask." Besides, those 90 days (or more - nothing wrong with that at all) you will have someone watching and guiding you from the start. That person will gradually give you the reins more often only as that person sees you becoming more comfortable with your job.

My suggestion is, during that time, if you (hah!) have any free moments, offer to help another nurse or aid with anything they need done. It is good experience, and will build teamwork and friendship that will encourage them to help you when you need it once you are on your own.

Good luck, though you won't need it.

DC :)

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I am with PMFB and LunahRN - I too would be worried if you weren't scared.

And have another round, from me, of, "Ask, ask, ask." Besides, those 90 days (or more - nothing wrong with that at all) you will have someone watching and guiding you from the start. That person will gradually give you the reins more often only as that person sees you becoming more comfortable with your job.

My suggestion is, during that time, if you (hah!) have any free moments, offer to help another nurse or aid with anything they need done. It is good experience, and will build teamwork and friendship that will encourage them to help you when you need it once you are on your own.

Good luck, though you won't need it.

DC :)

Thank you very much! ;)

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Just try to be happy that you actually have a job. Congrats and good luck!

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hi,

I haven't started my new job yet. I actually start on Monday. I am so glad that you posted your concern and that there is so much positive feedback. It really is helpful for me reading this post. I will take the advice and ask as much as I can because I am terrified of hurting a patient or making any detrimental mistakes. I have no idea what to expect, but again, I am glad for the positive advice on this post :)

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