very nervous about first job as LPN!

RNPATL, DNP, RN · Mar 11, 2004

Hi Everyone! I have an interview on Friday for a LPN position working in LTC. This is my first job as a LPN. I'm very nervous. I passed my boards test a year ago but due to being in a car accident I have not yet worked in this field. Now that I am ready to begin my nursing career I am scared and very unsure about my skills that I have learned so very long ago. Anyone have any advice?

First of all .... being unsure of yourself is totally normal. Second, when you are interviewing, remember to have confidence in yourself and present that confidence to your employer. However, with all that said, you have the right to inquire about their orientation program and it's length. Many times nursing homes are very desperate for help and will and often do throw new nurses into the job with little training. I would discuss, at length, their training and orientation program.

Remember, as a new grad (yes, you would still considered a new grad), there are things that you simply have not done or have not been exposed to in nursing school. Your feelings of being unsure are all a part of growing in the profession. I have often said that my anxiety about not knowing something is really my safety net. I know that I will ask for help and I will learn what I do not know. In addition, there will be other skilled nurses that you will be working with and I am sure after the first few months, you will feel much better about the job and your abilities as a new LPN.

Good luck and hold your head high .... you are a nurse now. :) :balloons:

Blackcat99 · Mar 11, 2004

:) Good luck with your new job. Don't expect much of an orientation if you are going to be working in a LTC facility. Most of the time I only got one week or less of orientation. However, one of them did give me a 2 week orientation. I am hoping that since you are new that they will at least give you a 2 week orientation. Just do the best you can. You'll be fine.

HannasMom · Mar 11, 2004

I guess I was a lucky one, because my LTC, I work for gave me a 3 week orientation. I was honest with them, told them I had been away from nursing in awhile. They have been fantastic! I now have been with them for almost one year. I still feel unsure of myself at times. It is normal. I have learned alot within the last 8 months and will keep on learning. At first it's scary. Don't be afraid to ask questions. You can do it! Good luck!

dekatn · Mar 11, 2004

Like HannasMom, I feel really lucky in the LTC facility I work in, I had never had any long term experience, I worked in hospital for about a year after I graduated, then went into office position in outpatient mental health, I was there 9 yrs. decided I needed and wanted a change, I was terrified, but when I interviewed for my current position I was honest with the DON about not having the experience. Our's is a 60 bed facility, we have 2 charge nurses on duty each shift, there is always somebody to get feedback from and the DON is available by phone at all times. My peers have been wonderful, I know I have driven them nuts with questions, but nobody ever complains about it. I have been there almost 2 yrs. now on 11p-7a and believe me if I'm not sure of something I ask for help. My fellow charge nurse and I have a really good working relationship and actually work the building together, even though we are assigned certain areas. I wish you the best, and confidence will come with time, it doesn't take as long as you might think.