New Job.....First Day Jitters

Nurses General Nursing

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I was recently hired into a staff RN position on a surgical unit. I will be precepted for 4-5 weeks, depending on what I need. Tomorrow morning, I start my orientation on the unit. I am nervous, the typical new job stuff. This is my first new job as an RN with experience. My last position started as part of a new grad training program. I am wonder what exactly will be expected of me at first. I am worried that the NM and my preceptor are expecting me to hit the floor running full speed. My anxiety is made worse by a comment the the manager made when I accepted the position, "We are so excited because you are the first nurse with surgical experience that we have hired on in years. Usually we get nurses transferring in from LTC, or new grads. Our experienced nurses have been here 15 and 20 years." Also, they got even more "excited" whenthey learned that I am already proficient with their computer documentation system. I have been very impressed with the hospital and the unit so far, and I want to fit in and do what is expected. I know there are many of you who have transferred to new positions in a specialty that you already had experience in. What was your orientation like, and how long did it take you to start functioning like your old self again.?

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Good luck with the new job SheriLynn.

My anxiety is made worse by a comment the the manager made when I accepted the position, "We are so excited because you are the first nurse with surgical experience that we have hired on in years. Usually we get nurses transferring in from LTC, or new grads. Our experienced nurses have been here 15 and 20 years."

Actually I can understand why the manager made the comment. In some aspects, your surgical experience is an asset to both you and the facility. Also it sounds like she/he is telling you that it is not nurses that they are hiring with surgical experience, although I'm not sure why this is the case.

Also, they got even more "excited" whenthey learned that I am already proficient with their computer documentation system.

You bet they were excited by this. When I started in nursing, there were not computers on the floor. I have adapted to using computers and the documentation system where I work, although I did find it difficult at first.

I know there are many of you who have transferred to new positions in a specialty that you already had experience in. What was your orientation like, and how long did it take you to start functioning like your old self again.?

What I found difficult was the fact I had to get used to a whole new way of doing things after being at another facility for years. There was so many things they did differently, including the computer documentation. I actually do not function like "my old self," I had to adapt to the differences and learn to function in a way that works best for me on this unit. I think what your really asking is how long it takes to be comfortable working in a new environment. I would say this took about 3-4 months, and I did not receive the proper orientation I should have.

I don't know if anyone can really give you an idea on what the expectations your manager or preceptor may have. Discussing this issue with both is what I would recommend.

Again best of luck SheriLynn. I'm sure you'll do well at this new job.

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Good luck. New jobs can be stressful. Trust yourself and I'm sure you will be fine. After all, you ARE an experienced RN.

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Specializes in med/surg.

Hey there SheriLynnRN,

General surgical units are the other half of general medicine units and many nurses or new grads figure that they'll do a year in med/surg before going to whatever specialty they really want to do, be it the ED or ICU, etc. While I don't know how it is in your area, it can be a very busy place with an interesting mix of cases depending on how many different types of surgery services you have in your facility. My floor takes care of orthopedic, vascular, urology, gyn, gyn oncology, trauma and a few other surgery services, as well as occasional boarders from specialty services with their own floor like neuro.

When I was hired 2yrs ago I also received a warm welcome because of my experience in med/surg. The fact that you have worked someplace similar and want to come and work on their surgery floor is a huge plus for them. Having someone who already has an idea of what surgical patient will require in terms of pain management and other issues is going to make part of your transition to their facility easier. The fact that you already know how to use the computer documentation is probably taking a huge concern off of the shoulders of your preceptor who may or may not be comfortable with teaching the computer system even though she/he uses it on a daily basis.

You are a valuable commodity - a RN with experience! :biggringi Be proud, confident and assured that you will do well. All you need is a little time to get used to the unit routine and get to know your new co-workers as well as the hospital policies.

Best of luck!

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How was your first day?

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Wishing you all the best.....hugs.

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Jitters sound about right. I don't think any of us would feel any differently when starting in a new place, lots of experience or not. They sound thrilled to have you, I hope the feeling is mutual!

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Sooo..The first day went alright. Got there a little later than I wanted. Punched in on time, but my preceptor was already waiting for me in the report room. We had six patients to start, on got discharged and we got a post-op around 1100. One cute little guy was mine for the day. He was comfort measures only, so no meds. I was just supposed to have him to chart on, and follow my preceptor and help her the rest of the day, but I couldn't chart on him on my own because Information Systems is not in the hospital on the weekends, so I couldn't get my password. I kinda felt a little useless, but tommorow I will take one or two of the more involved patients. I felt bad that my preceptor had to stay late, but she says that she usually does in the first few week of having an orientee. Overall, it was a good day. I am looking foward to doing more on my own tomorrow cause I feel so lethargic and blah, when I'm just tagging along and watching.

I am excited, because a lot of this units procedures and charting just make so much more sense than at my last job! The care seems better too.

Thanks everybody, for being so encouraging, and asking how my day went.

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:balloons: Sounds like you are on your way to great new start!

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