New kid On The Block - How to fit in as a new nurse

[snowfreeze, BSN, RN]

A little bit of psychology insight helps as does self confidence. Smile, look as though you are a pleasant person. When approaching someone, smile and say Hi.

Introduce yourself to co-workers including the ancillary staff. I know you are so self conscious and overwhelmed that the frown on your face really isn't you but.........that is the you everyone else is seeing.

Don't be afraid to ask for assistance in finding things or asking about policy. Thank people for their help and don't apologize for not knowing something...focus on the nice person who helped you instead and they will be willing to help again in the near future.

Identify your resource person/people, the Charge nurse and secretary are two vital information sources.

Take notes, keep a small spiral notebook in your pocket; some things to write down so you are not overwhelmed with information are Pagers for ancillary departments, phone extensions, computer sign on and door lock codes, name of your preceptor, unit managers number, call off number and any changes in your schedule.

Be honest with your preceptor on what "you feel you still need to become productive on this unit". Have daily "huddle sessions" with your preceptor on how you feel you are doing and what you feel you need to improve on.

Listen and take notes when your preceptor seems to be telling you things you were not really aware of. Sometimes we become too intense on one issue and don't see the whole picture. Review those notes later during a break or after work.

Remember we can all learn something from everyone, when we feel we know it all we become lax and dangerous as nurses.

Welcome to your new job!!!!!!!!

[je_da]

wow! what a nice post... i can relate to this... :) thanks

[Tolos]

Thank you this will help a lot.

[Tolos]

I currently am in an outpatient infusion nursing role at a clinic. I have the BEST Rheumatology doctors anyone will ever wish for, they are very communicative, they respect their clients, MA"s and nurses. The whole staff function very well together. This is my second month with them and it is all positive. Except for a few human frailties, but it is generally a respectful environment to work in.

Seven years as LVN I have worked at a geriatric , med/surg, agencies with different clinics, now as an RN this is the best that I have felt about a job. I work 8hrs , monday to friday sometimes 10hrs, but I'm never tired and stressed like I was on a med/surg floor. I still do my daily assessment and lots of IV and venipuncture skills all day, med admin and documentation. The joy in nursing is mostly finding the right job and the right people to work for and with. Otherwise, I cannot think of any other profession that can be as rewarding as being a nurse.

[Hoss]

Excellent advise but allow me one observation that troubled me; You should NEVER write down computer log on I.D.'s /passwords or door lock codes! Should this information be misplaced and used by someone intent on data theft or penetrating secure areas of the hospital, the consequences can be very damaging indeed.

New hires should be required to memorize these codes and experienced staff should be available to assist with these matters if the new person runs into problems logging in. In addition, the codes should be changed frequently to prevent un authorized log ins.

Happy New Year!!

Hoss

[DLangston]

Your post has given me some simple reminders and eased my mind! I will soon be a new grad and recently I have felt overwhelmed with all there is to know and remember.

Thank you for that breath of fresh air.

Dixieleigh

[paxnyokes]

I accepted a position as a new grad two weeks ago. This infomation will prove very useful for me once I begin working. Thank you.

[ellah15]

I love this post It'll help a lot.

[Canadian_Nurse]

We will have some new grads on our unit soon...I'll print this off and give it to them! I remember being a new grad and I want them to feel more welcomed than some of the (former) staff in the unit made me feel 10 years ago! Thanks for a great article.