My first RN job

[newstudentn09]

I just accepted an RN job on a neuro floor where I currently work, although not in patient care. I had been applying since mid April and after roughly applying for 70 jobs I got my first interview. I was incredibly nervous for the interview and while I don't believe that I answered the questions as good as I could have if I hadn't been as nervous, I was offered the postion. To say I was surprised is an understatement. The hospital I work for is a teaching hospital and is stroke certified. I'm very excited but terrified at the same time. From what I was told, the patient ratio is 1:4/1:5 and the orientation time is 6-8 weeks. I've heard very good things about this unit and have been told that the preceptors love to teach and their turnover is low. I never had neuro experience in clinicals so don't know what to expect. The patient population as well as the specifics of the unit were went over in the interview but due to my nerves, I don't remember all of it. From what I do remember, the patient population consists mainly of stroke patients, spinal surgery, seizure monitoring and head trauma/injuries that are not critical enough for the medical ICU. I think I'll be able to learn a lot on this unit and like that I will also get cardiac experience as many of the patients are telemetry. I'm curious though as to what are the most common skills used for this type of unit? For those of you familiar with this setting, does 6-8 weeks of orientation seem appropriate for a grad nurse? They do have a new grad orientation I will complete but I'm not sure what all that involves. Any tips, advice or other words is very appreciated! And good luck to all those new grads!

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

Congratulations! Good luck in your new job!

Try asking your question I the neuro nursing forum, out maybe even general nursing forum. You'll get responses from more experienced nurses in the neuro field. Its mostly new grads who read this forum and won't be able to help you as much.

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

My first hospital job out of school (minus 6 months at a nursing home with Medicare patients, waiting for board results- back in the days when it took months to get a license) was on a neuro floor. The night ratio was 1:14 (28 beds= 2 nurses-- just how it was). It was sink or swim time.

You're going to get a good orientation, and nobody expects new grads to just blend in like they've been nurses for years. I felt like an idiot for years- lol- and asked a LOT of questions, read a lot on my own, and went to seminars held by the docs.

Ask questions- even if you're pretty sure you know the answer, it NEVER hurts to double check with someone :)

Being nervous is a good sign. The most dangerous nurses think they know everything :)

[newstudentn09]

Thanks for the replys girls! I will try your suggestions!