New Graduate

[BrittanyC]

What is the best way to transition into the RN role from the student role? Are there some tips about how to make it an easy transition and what are some things to be aware of during that time?

[JBudd, MSN]

Don't ever come across with an "I already know it all" attitude.

Be open to criticism, because most of them are honestly trying to help you.

Be willing to try stuff, be willing to ask the best way to do stuff (not, will you do this for me, but ask how they do it so you can do it well).

Ask sensible questions, don't whine, pull your own load as much as you can.

Learning never stops :heartbeat

[Christen, ANP]

The best thing you can do to help make that transition from student to nurse is to get a job as a PCT or CNA at the hospital you want to work at when you graduate (the unit you want to work on, too, if you can!). Students who have worked in this role prior to graduation typically are more confident and more organized and better prepared when transitioning to the role of a nurse. This also gives you the opportunity to decide if this hospital / unit is really where you want to work.

[uscstu4lfe]

yes, i agree that you should always be open to criticism. honestly, most people are just trying to help you because they have learned from experience. i love it whenever a nurse gives me hints, advice, and so on. i never get defensive about it because i'm still learning so many new things and trying to get comfortable.

also, if you feel overwhelmed, just sit back for a second and relax. sit down, go through your patients one by one. if you miss something, too bad, you're human. don't beat yourself up over it.

i disagree about working as a CNA first. quite frankily, the roles are completely different. however, the CNA position would be good about helping to learn item locations and so on.

[RNperdiem, RN]

Keep your life outside of work simple for a while.

The new grad year is not a good time to become president of the PTA, go back to school and take a heavy course-load, have a baby or make any stressful changes.

Have a plan for taking care of your health.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

A lot has to do with expectations - yours especially. If you expect everyone to like you, there to be little or no stress, to recall every word you every read in nursing school and to never make a mistake - well, get over it. Do the best you can and say thank you a lot. That goes a long way. The fact that you are even concerned about all this says you want to do well. That is a good first step.