new grad question

Nurses General Nursing

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So, I graduate in a week and I have a job waiting for me after graduation. I am currently up to three patients during the day shift (3a-3p practicum) and feeling a bit like...is it ever going to all come together. I know eventually I will be up to 6 patients (possibly 7). I consider myself pretty organized but still a bit overwhelmed. We document everything (not by exception) and that takes a lot of time.

How long after graduation did you finally feel things come together....or did they ever? :)

Not complaining

Me

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What type of unit will you be working on?

On average, it seems most people say the first year is tough and gets easier after that. I think a lot also depends on your management, co-workers, and clinical educators. If you have good support around you, that will make things easier.

For me, the first six months were the worst. I'm three years out now and feel confident most of the time. There are still moments though! ;)

Never stop asking questions, never stop learning!

Good luck and congratulations! :D

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I will be on med-surg. I have to say that I feel I am pretty lucky as I applied at three hospitals and this hospital was my top pick. It is a very warm community hospital and the staff is great.

I will be working 11p-7a, 4 days per week which is fine with me. It works out well with my family and I think I will be able to synthisis info better without all the hub-bub. Or am I just kidding myself? :) I am laughing

Thanks for the reply,

Me

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

Yes it all comes together...kind of....

Try not to think of your patients as numbers......5 patients.....6 patients.... it will overwhelm you. Think of the tasks and teaching for each one individually. Make lists, double check. Write it down when you do it not at the end of the shift. Dont put things off.....

The first 3-6 months are a honeymoon period "Im a Nurse!!!...I have a great job..."

The second 6 months are more of a realization that you really ARE a nurse and really DO have a responsible job...I cried nearly every day over something or other. That also gets better.

Finally it comes to you......"I AM A NURSE!!!" Then it is better.

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Hi,

I know this is off of the subject, but I am a student wondering what Salary you were hired at and where do you live? Do you get overtime, benefits, etc?

Thanks for the info, Mary

I will be on med-surg. I have to say that I feel I am pretty lucky as I applied at three hospitals and this hospital was my top pick. It is a very warm community hospital and the staff is great.

I will be working 11p-7a, 4 days per week which is fine with me. It works out well with my family and I think I will be able to synthisis info better without all the hub-bub. Or am I just kidding myself? :) I am laughing

Thanks for the reply,

Me

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I will be on med-surg. I have to say that I feel I am pretty lucky as I applied at three hospitals and this hospital was my top pick. It is a very warm community hospital and the staff is great.

I will be working 11p-7a, 4 days per week which is fine with me. It works out well with my family and I think I will be able to synthisis info better without all the hub-bub. Or am I just kidding myself? :) I am laughing

Thanks for the reply,

Me

Recommendation:

Get report, check in on your patients, assessment and 12 am meds. Then chart your assessment. Don't wait until 6:30 am to begin doing this.

It is much easier to have that initial assessment completed, and then just add as you go along. Try not to keep it until the end of 8 hours.

Remember, also at night: you do not have meals, family isn't usually visiting,

baths aren't generally done, patients aren't going off unit for procedures...

This may help you better plan your time.

p.s. Everyone of us was quite nervous when we started. I would be more worried about someone that wasn't nervous....................

Good luck and let us know how you are enjoying it...... :balloons:

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Specializes in Psych, Med/Surg, Home Health, Oncology.

Hi

I am an "old"nurse--I've been doing this for many years; also almost 30 yrs on the 11PM-0700 shift. I have seen many new grads & everyone is different!!

Some have no problems at all & get right into it--others take longer.

With out patients being "sicker" then ever, it is rough going. I don't really feel we give enough orientation and so forth;

I will say that we had 2 new grads last year. One was quite good right away--very organized etc.The other--well, she was not so great, but she kept on!! She worked every night & was just so worn out at the end of shift. She'd really try!! It went on like this for quite awhile. Then, it was so great to see, by the way, things just started to click & now she is one of the best young nurses we have!! I'm so glad she didn't give up!!

So, don't worry--keep trying, you'll get there--it just takes time!!

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