New to Derm Clinic

Published Oct 17, 2015

8 Posts

Specializes in Dermatology; NICU.

Bit of background info: Graduated in May through a direct entry MSN program, passed the NCLEX in May, worked as a camp nurse over the summer, started applying in June, and finally took a job offer this month. I start in 2 weeks. My research and interest areas are maternal/infant health. No such luck for this new grad getting hired in that field. One of the HRs took my resume and figured I might be a good fit for the derm clinic. So here I am! Dermatology, ambulatory care.

I don't know much about dermatology (I've been reviewing those chapters in my books, and went through a packet the clinic gave me, and will continue to review as I start work). I can't complain about this job - it's as cushy a job as a new grad could wish for! No nights, weekends, or holidays. Regular business hours. And a clinic full of incredibly kind and welcoming people. Techs, nurses, and doctors - all really seem to have each other's backs and function beautifully. I've been in a lot of clinics and on a lot of hospital floors, and the way the people in this clinic respond to each other is really something special.

I'm nervous about a couple things. I want to really be an asset to this team. The day schedule has never been a favorite of mine (almost all the jobs I applied for were night shift). Caffeine causes terrible reactions in me (seriously, I drink a cup of tea, and act drunk, hyper, and crazy - this stuff affects me far worse than alcohol). I'm hoping I'll be able to adjust to the day schedule well-enough. But I've never been a go-getter in the morning. How can I fit in with this team when my energy might not be where theirs is?

I'm planning to move on to a hospital job within three years. That's my career goal, and I don't think it's changing. How can I be good for this clinic while not diminishing my own career goals?

Basically - this isn't the job I would have chosen, but I still want to do well. I owe it to the people who welcomed me into their workplace. Sorry my thoughts are a bit all over the place. Hopefully talking through this on here can help me feel more prepared.