New grad, first job......ANY advice?

futurernhazel · Oct 12, 2013

hey there.. im a recent grad with no experience as a nurse... but i have worked in hospitals before... be urself and be willing to learn.. dont give them a reason to wanna let u go.. be a team playa and dont be too pushy... DO NOT FOLLOW BAD NURSES.. u might see alot of ppl doing short cuts and u might wanna try it, but please dont.... again, i havent worked as a nurse as yet, but i have worked on the administrative side of the hospital :) I hope u get an answer from someone who has worked as a nurse :) good luck hun

julieb326 · Oct 13, 2013

Im a new grad I start my first job this monday and I feel like I forgot everything

I. Also soo excited ans soooo nervous

Good luck! I guess my advice is dont freak out. Bring everything u might need .

Relax and know every nurse has been in the position we r in now.

spoild2588 · Oct 13, 2013

Very true! Thank you! The place I'm working at is a skilled nursing/rehab facility. Good luck with your new job as well!

hope1959 · Oct 16, 2013

Was it hard to get that first job? I am finding it really difficult..only wellness clinics...everyone wants one year experience..getting pretty discouraged!

LeeLeeTheGPN · Oct 16, 2013

I'm starting my first job Monday. My advice for you is to be eager to learn. Remember, nursing school gave us what we need, real work experience is going to enhance upon that. Be hands on during your training. Watching is fine, but remember, you ARE the nurse now. These are things you are going to have to do as apart of your job so you don't want to just watch. Dive in, let your preceptor do the coaching, not all of the work. Come prepared. Remember the rules of prioritization when managing your time. Do not be afraid to ask questions, but also come prepared so that you can answer some of those simple questions yourself. Bring a clinical procedure book, bring your drug book. All of this advice I am giving you I plan to use myself. I'm very determined to be successful so I hope this advice works for you!

GundeRN · Oct 16, 2013

Don't try to act like you know everything. They know you don't, so ask questions. But try to critically think about the situation first and see if you can come up with the answer on your own. If you need to ask your charge nurse, or preceptor a question about the patient, know the patient first. Look at their baseline VS, and history and physical. Get to know the standing orders right a way. You can trouble shoot a lot off of that baby without calling the DR. (of course this is more pertinent when it is NOC shift) Always look at your patients butt! I can't tell you how many reports of "no skin issues" I have gotten from previous nurses who obviously didn't look.

Most importantly, watch and listen more than you talk. And if you think you need to make waves about an issue, wait till after your probation period.

JmarLPN · Oct 17, 2013

Have a box of tissues in the car for your ride home! Ha...maybe that's just me. I too, am a new nurse who started working in September and I can honestly say its the hardest thing I have ever done. I have days when I feel like I got this and I am a great nurse and others where I loathe the day I decided to become a nurse. But I am happy I am. Just ask questions and listen to all the advice the seasoned nurses give you. Always have your information about the patient before calling Doctors or the will not be happy. Try not to leave paperwork for the next shift or the Nurse coming on won't be happy. Think of every experience as a learning opportunity. ASK FOR HELP when you need too. I find all the nurses are happy to give advice or input where I work and hopefully your place will be like that. Not all nurses eat their young! Anyways, wish I had more to give, but its one of those things that you learn as you go. Good Luck!!! :)

qsmoss · Oct 18, 2013

Im starting my first job on Monday and I cant be any more scared, nervous, excited, and sick to my stomach lol I do feel I forgot everything but I worked as a CNA for 5yrs so I utilized the nurses I were close with while in nursing school the good ones anyway and asked questions all the time and asked their advice on things like time management. My first job is LTC with 30pts OMG! Lol but by the grace of God they are giving me a great orientation time 4-8wks thats a blessing in its self. So I guess my advice would be stay calm lol

elprup, BSN, RN · Oct 18, 2013

Definitely second the, "Do not make waves until AFTER your probation period". You are going to see alot of things you may not agree with. Keep your mouth shut and cover your butt. It is a real bummer, and not what we were taught in school, but the truth.