My first day officially as an RN!!!!!!!!

Sara26 · Oct 4, 2009

Well its true we all went through the same story,...my advice to you is: be your self and trust yourself, and if there comes a problem....you can always ask another nurse to help, they dont bite:chuckle

You will soon see its ok, just get a good night sleep and tomorow get up a bit earlier and prepare for work, and trust me everythink will be just fine.

Good luck to you:nurse:

Minnie2006 · Oct 4, 2009

When in doubt, seek a second opinion or even more. Better to question something you are not sure about. There is just way too much to know and way too many unique situations out there. There will be days that are overwhelming, many in the beginning. Find coworkers who are supportive and lean on them during difficult times. They will help you immeasurably. Despite there being some who "eat their young" most remember the anxiety of being new. Best of luck to you.

mich321 · Oct 4, 2009

Always ask for help when you need it. When I was first "on-my-own", I thought I needed to be able to do it all myself. That got very overwhelming. I quickly learned that everyone needs help sometimes, and that I was never truly alone. Once I realized that even the charge nurses asked questions, I felt very comfortable asking for another opinion.

I was SO nervous before my first shift, but I found that I was actually less anxious during the shift because I didn't have a preceptor watching my every move. My preceptors were great, but they each had their own routine....and I just needed to find my own routine. I spent a lot of time and energy trying to do things the way each of my preceptors wanted things done!

Good luck tomorrow! You can do it!

SweetLemon · Oct 4, 2009

Hi everyone. I am panicking! Tomorrrow Monday will be my first day working as an RN. After 2 months on orientation I am on my own. I am so scared and worried! The hospital that I work for has a high acuity for all patients. It seems that everyone is just so sick. I am scared out of my mind, I don't want to kill anyone. Can someone give me some tips. I know everyone has been through this but any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks:no:

As you mentioned about everyone HAS been through this at one point or another... Including your coworkers on the floor. They will be there to keep you on the straight and narrow. Being a little bit anxious is a good thing, it will keep you on your toes and keep your patients safe. The nurses who think they have it all under control right out of the shoot are the ones that scare me!!! :stone I am sure you will do amazing. You deserve to be there and the fact that they are letting you off orientation means that whoever is overseeing you thinks so too. Have a wonderul first day and know all your buddies here are cheering for you.

:anpom::anpom::anpom::anpom::anpom:

rn-jane · Oct 4, 2009

Good luck on your first day. Don't ever be afraid to ask for help. Nobody will think any less of you. They will think you are someone that cares about your patients. Good luck and let us know how it went tommorow. :yeah:

FieryPsychRN, BSN · Oct 5, 2009

Never be afraid to ask for help! Make notes of things that you have to do. Get plenty of rest the night before. Remember that each day is a learning experience. Stay calm and you will do fine!! Congratulations!! :yeah:

DITN · Oct 5, 2009

Not even a nursing student yet, but just based on what I've read on these forums, don't leave a bottle of medicine in a pt's room when you suddenly have to leave for something else (ie a code).

Also check your pockets before you leave so you don't accidentally take a bottle of narcotics home with you...I remember reading a thread a month or so ago where a nurse did that and brought back the bottle (of morphine I believe) the next day and they fired her, even though she wasn't an addict or filled it with saline or something.

chobieRN · Oct 5, 2009

Yep, don't hesitate to ask from your seniors. Even if you feel like you're bugging them already. It's better to be safe than to commit mistakes. But you should also do your part to make the initiatives to learn. Observe or assist your co-nurses when you got nothing else to do. Good Luck!

nathangenesis · Oct 5, 2009

Think positive, my dear. This sounds like a cliche but makes wonders. I am quite sure that your co-nurses will understand you as a neophyte. Savor the moment now that you are officially a Registered Nurse. Never be ashamed to ask questions. Take advantage to each and every procedure that comes your way ( with the supervision of a senior, of course). And most importantly, arm yourself with prayers before going to the "battle." Goodluck. You can do it.

Virgo_RN, BSN, RN · Oct 5, 2009

Well, I've been in your shoes, and I haven't killed anyone. You won't either. Use your head, use your resources, and ask for help if you're in too deep. Welcome to nursing! You're in for a heck of a ride!