New nurse, New job..any advice??

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Sep 27, 2011

Congratulations on your new job.

I would encourage you to work very hard to "fit in" to your new work group.. this is just as important, if not more so (shocking comment from an educator, right?) than developing your clinical competency.

You will undoubtedly experience a lot of bumps in the road as you develop competence, skill and confidence - but it is much easier to cope if your colleagues are supportive and perceive you as "one of us" rather than the "newbie". So, take time to get to know your co-workers and how they function as a group. Make sure you respect their traditions and norms. For example, if everyone shows up at least 10 minutes prior to report so they can touch base and talk.... you do the same thing.

Make sure your attitude is one of respect for your more experienced colleagues. They aren't going to do things the same as you learned in class or clinicals, but that doesn't mean that it's wrong. Volunteer to do the tasks that no one else wants - it's part of paying your dues. Your co-workers want to help, but they really don't have a lot of time to sort out exactly what it is that you need. So, if you need something (information, supervision, guidance, etc) asking for it clearly rather than retreating into a typical newbie "I am so overwhelmed, no one will help me..." mode will be appreciated.

Chin up, you won't be the new kid forever. Keep us posted on how it's going.

Aurora77 · Sep 27, 2011

I've been off orientation for a few weeks now, so I was just where you were. It's hard to believe the time's flown by!

HouTx has some great advice. I agree wholeheartedly that fitting in to the team is on the same level as being good clinically. They have a team already established, it's your job to adapt to them. Don't engage in any of the gossip that is inevitable when people work together. Don't use said gossip to form your opinions about coworkers you don't know well.

Treat everyone you encounter with the same high level of respect. That means everyone--housekeeping, CNAs, security, fellow nurses, MDs, lab, etc. They all impact how you do your job and it's best to have them on your side. Be geniuinely kind and thank people when they help you out. I've had several CNAs tell me they like working with me over other nurses b/c I'm nice to them, which shocks the heck out of me--aren't we supposed to be nice and respectful to one another??

Another thing that will help you is to establish a routine. Watch your fellow nurses and your preceptor and see how they go about their day. For instance, our pharmacy closes at 2300, so the first thing I do after getting report is set up my meds for the night so I can get any doses I have missing.

Write notes to yourself and make lists so you can check off tasks as you do them. While I'm setting up my meds, I make a sticky note with med admin times that stays on my COW. I'll also makes notes about times I need to change IV bags, if foleys or IVs are to be d/c'd in the am, etc.

Most of all, try to relax. It's next to impossible, I know. :) Keep an open mind, watch and learn from your coworkers and treat everyone with respect and you'll do great!!

BrieRN23 · Sep 27, 2011

thanks HouTX and Aurora great advice!

Carefreeliving · Sep 30, 2011

I think it's good if you find other RN's who are in the same boat as you, or simply keeping in contact with old classmates to discuss and vent about work issues. You'll find that many others are feeling the same way you are. That first year is hard work; it's a lot of sweat and tears. Don't be afraid to ask questions. It's the new nurses who DON'T ask questions that I'm concerned about. And expect to make mistakes! Just learn and move on. You'll develop your own routine of creating a "brain", time management, and clinical skills that work for you. It'll all come in time.

And just remember, breathe. Lots of others are walking the same shoes as you.

G' Luck :)