New Grad First Job- the other side

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When I was a student I saw A LOT of posts about how the 1st year is very hard, crying every day, feeling overwhelmed, etc. Now that I am a 1st year nurse (started on the floor a month ago) I want to try to balance out those posts with one with a different experience.

I passed the NCLEX, graduated, and accepted a job on the oncology/telemetry Med-Surg floor in May of this year. I started mid-June and will be on days with a preceptor for 2 months, then nights with a preceptor for another month.

Previous to nursing school I had no medical experience. I worked as a home health aide for about 9 months part time during my pre-reqs, then as a CNA very part time during 2 semesters of nursing school. So going into my first job I assumed I would be a little behind the ball compared to some others and expected it to be rough.

Surprisingly, the last month has been very enjoyable. I look forward to going into work, and am still amazed to be getting paid for what I was doing for free during clinicals and capstone :) I have taken 4 patients (our typical load) every day, including my very first on the floor. I have made mistakes, but nothing that hurt anyone, and I have learned from them all.

Looking back on it, I think the key for me was to go into the experience with an open mind, knowing that at anytime it could get hairy, and that's okay. I swear I ask hundreds of questions of my preceptor every shift! When I get overwhelmed I suck it up and keep moving forward until I get through it, then I de-brief with my preceptor and ask for advice on anything I could have done differently. So far I haven't cried, though I know that day could be coming :)

So anyway, I just wanted to tell everyone that the 1st year (or at least the 1st month!) isn't always terrible, and there are some things you can do to make it better. Have an open mind, a humble heart, and a thirst for knowledge. We can do this!

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

This is so good to hear! :) You are doing all the right things as a new grad transitioning to the workplace; asking questions, debriefing, having an attitude of gratitude and a learning spirit.

It also takes a supportive work environment and if only all hospitals provided that. New nurses deserve the time and guidance to grow. Best wishes.

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Specializes in Telemetry, Case Management.

Well, you're still in the honeymoon phase. It's coming...

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