new job, new worries

[thatpasunshine]

My first concern after graduation was whether or not i would be able to find a job. Ok. so i got a job. now what?. I just graduated in Dec of 2010 and passed the boards a couple of weeks ago. I am a bit surprised at how fast I got a job because I didnt even apply until I had passed the nclex. now the issue is that i was hired on to an abdominal transplant unit and the patients tend to be very sick, much sicker than those i typically saw on my clinical rotations during school. I am a bit concerned because the orientation time with a preceptor is only 6 weeks long. and while that may sound like a long time we only work 3 days a week 12hr shifts so i am really concerned that it will not be enough time to learn what i need to learn. Dont get me wrong i am very happy that i found a job so quickly, but i thought i would have more time to adjust to finishing school before i was thrown the the wolves........

[Mashira]

I'm working psych as a new grad, same situation, and I only get 4 shadow shifts. That's one week-ish. I think you're doing pretty good with 6, but I don't know what a med-surg orientation is like, as I didn't go that route. Either way, you'll be great. You went to school for this. You know what you're doing, you just don't know how to do it yet, and it will come in time for both of us!

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

op: most people do not know this but orientation is a contract between you and your employer. you two agree to six weeks, however you do not have to leave orientation at six weeks. your employer can extend your orientation for any reason to include by your request! therefore, do your six week orientation. if at six weeks you have evaluated yourself in need of more time, then request it.

if your employer is not insane, he/she will grant your request. be sure to have goals you want to meet and/or a list concerns you want to address during the extension so that there is something you and your preceptor can work on specifically. this will also let your employer know that you are a professional and that the extension will not be a waste of time and resources. gl!