New RN First day on the floor - orientation with preceptor. Advice? and what to expect?

RotorRunner · Mar 12, 2017

Hallo there! Congratulations on your new nursing career! The beginning will be a nice mix of fun and terrifying.

A couple of suggestions. As far as scrubs, it doesn't really matter, but I would suggest something with a few extra pockets. Don't wear a hoodie over them - as that would likely appear unprofessional. You could always wear a neutral colored long sleeve shirt under your scrub top. Your shoes should be comfortable, closed toe, and easy to clean.

Your preceptor will be your introduction to the unit you are working on. As a new grad you will likely practice your skills in the presence of him/her at first (and corrected or guided as need be) and then you will perform them autonomously. I imagine that your first few shifts will be more of a shadowing experience where you have the opportunity to acquaint yourself with the unit. Ask questions! And be open to accepting constructive criticism.

HeySis, BSN, RN · Mar 12, 2017

What'll my first day be like?
As i arrive on my unit, do I just report to the nurse's station and ask for my preceptor?
Do i bring all my materials? (stethoscope, pen light, a dozen pens - from what i heard, etc).
How do I Dress? (no specific scrub color for my unit my supervisor told me - but how can i be comfortable? types of shoes? are hoodies okay over your scrub?
How can i wear my nails? - i like gel manicures as they dont chip, but length?
What can i expect to do while being with a preceptor?
Does your preceptor help train you with skills and refresh you, for example foleys, starting IVs, using their charting platform (McKesson, EPIC, etc whichever it may be) etc?

Whoooh! I can read your excitement!!

Your first day will most likely be shadowing, getting to know your unit and where everything is located.

I'd bring everything you think you'll need in a backpack or bag... that way if you don't need everything/or want to carry it the entire time you have place to stash it. Our facility provides the stethoscopes and such... I just bring myself, but everyplace is different.

Make sure your scrubs are clean, neat and ironed, you want to look professional. No hoodies, long sleeves in a coordinating color under your scrubs if you think you'll be cold. There are whole threads on shoes, comfortable closed toes shoes, but it may take a while to find the brand/kind that you like best.

My unit does not even allow nail polish, you should check with HR. But if they have no policy I'd wear something very subdued or natural until you get to know your department/coworkers and manager and see what is acceptable. (I'm old school, we couldn't have nails long enough to be seen when you looked at them from the palm side... I've always kept mine short to not scratch a patient)

Every preceptor is different, so it may be good to ask her/him what to expect. This also opens up communication as to what they will expect from you, so you can succeed.

Your preceptor should make sure you are doing all procedures according to company policy. They will most likely give you helpful hint and techniques that have worked for them.

If you really need help with something, don't be shy. Tell her "I only placed one catheter on a real patient in school and would love to do a ton of them to feel more comfortable"... or you could say the same with IV's or anything else. This will be the time to have someone watch and give guidance and corrections. Take the corrections with a smile and try to not make the same mistakes two or three times. Your preceptor will notice if you catch on quickly and be more likely to start relying on you sooner.

On the flip side, tell her what you are already comfortable doing and do as much as you can as soon as you are able. Still remain open to feedback. None of us knows everything, and while you don't want to waste time with things you already know, make sure you're not cocky. Simple state "I feel pretty confident with my assessments and breath sounds, could I do them this shift and have you double check me to make sure i'm not missing anything." or a "I've done several IV starts and would like to do this one, can I verbalize how I would do it with you before we go in to make sure I'm not missing a step?" This lets your preceptor know your strengths and that you are willing to work and accept help.

Make sure as you leave work everyday that you find at least one thing you did well that you couldn't do before, if you write in a journal keep track... after several days/weeks/months you'll realize it's starting to come together and you are making progress... It's good to look back on when you've had a day were nothing seems to go right. (we all have those days)

Good Luck!!