New Nurse! My first day with my own patients is tomorrow!! AHHHH!!

[Lavendergal]

So tomorrow is my first day with my own patients on a med-surg unit (with a preceptor of course as well) and I am so nervous. Excited, but nervous! What if I don't know enough patho-phys of their illness to answer questions? What if I stumble over silly things like starting IV meds, or transporting a patient? I guess it doesn't help that the first day with my preceptor I came back from the bathroom with toilet paper hanging out of the top of my pants...and she had the heart to tell me- but I'm afraid she won't be able to take me seriously after I looked like that...lol .AHHH!! I'm a nervous nelly- and want to be a competent and confident nurse. Help with any advice to prepare tonight and early morning before my shift tomorrow at 6:45. I plan to go in early to look up my patients, write down their meds and labs, etc.

[raindrops1234]

Get everything ready before you go to bed! (your lunch, outfit, supplies). And go to bed early. And wake up with enough time to have a good breakfast and extra time to get there in case there is something crazy like a bad accident (which typically happens on everyones first day ). Ask for help if you need it and I am sure you will be fine! I understand how you feel, cause my first alone shift is next week too!

Goodluck!!

[Lavendergal]

Aww thanks for your ideas- they are good!! And good luck to you too! I hope it goes well for you!! I'll post how it went!

[Scottishtape]

Super exciting!! My advice:

- Be kind to yourself tomorrow

- Don't be afraid to ask for help or guidance

- ENJOY your first day on your own!

Have an awesome shift!

[Lavendergal]

Aww I love that! I'll definitely try to remember to be nice to myself tomorrow- that's probably the most important thing for tomorrow :)

[saskrn]

I guess it doesn't help that the first day with my preceptor I came back from the bathroom with toilet paper hanging out of the top of my pants...and she had the heart to tell me- but I'm afraid she won't be able to take me seriously after I looked like that...lol .AHHH!!

This is great! Your preceptor probably laughed, too!

A little laughter and humility are good things. :)

You'll be fine! Good luck!