My First Day: Orientation

Nurses LPN/LVN

Published

Today was my first day at my new job! So far, I'm liking it. But I know it takes a few weeks of being shown the ropes to know exactly what all is in store.

My preceptor is fun, funny, and very knowledgeable. Although I was hired to work 2nd (3-11), I'm orienting on 1st (7-3). I don't like this setup solely because I feel like I should orient on the shift I'll be working. But, I'm enjoying it.

Just a little info about the job, it's a nursing center and Rehab, dealing with long-term and short-term care. I honestly don't know where exactly I will be working but I pray it's on the hall I'm orienting on because I've already gotten to know a few employees and residents.

I am still kinda nervous because it's my first actual job in the medical field (I did an externship on a medical floor at a hospital from Nov. 2014 to May 2015 but now I'll actually be solely responsible for the patients).

But I'm looking forward to this wonderful adventure.

Just wondering, how long did it take you to get to know you residents? Ours don't wear any type of ID and although we have pictures in their charts, I'm still afraid of making the mistake of giving "Mrs. Smith" medicines to "Mrs. Doe"???

I understand it's only the first day but I know everyone has had first-day-on-the-new-job anxiety. Just expressing my worries openly lol

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Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.

Congratulations on your new job!

It takes a few weeks,(well, for ME it is nearly a year!) before one becomes fairly comfortable with a new job.

Give it time, be good to yourself, take care of yourself and enjoy your days off!

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Thank you dianah! I'm going to try!

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

Congratulations,

even with 40+ years experience as RN, it still took me several weeks to learn each resident....

asking CNAs, "who is ms.xyz". Was a way to get good working relationship with them, Your CNAs need to realize you value them.....

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Thank you sallyrnrrt!

And thanks for the great advice. I can't express how many nurses have told me having a great relationship with my CNAs will make my job so much easier.that's one thing I have noticed about this facility. No matter what level of education, everyone talks to everyone the same. So far, everyone has been so nice and accepting!

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Congratulations on your new job !

When I worked in LTC, it usually took me at least one solid month to learn a group of patients: who they were, how they took their medications, ambulatory and cognitive status, family involvement (or lack of family involvement), etc., etc. It can be overwhelming. It's a lot to learn! You will have good and bad days..... be patient with yourself and hang in there.

I can't emphasize enough how valuable a resource the CNA's are. One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was "The CNA's can do their jobs without you. You, however, cannot do your job without them." Respect them. Cherish them. Having helpful, loyal CNA's can make all the difference. Good luck to you ! :up:

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Specializes in Cardiac ICU, ER, PICU, Corrections.

Time Time Time! You'll get the hang of it!

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