new RN on orientation

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ok so im gonna make this as short as i can. thank be to God i started orientation last monday at elmhurst hospital. so far i like it. i just got this feeling like it's a good hospital everyone seems nice. now on to orientation it's been classroom going over policies and certain topics. during the course i feel ok because as topics come up i feel as though i remember things although i feel like i dont know anything since graduating last year and taking my boards.

i have been asking the nurses there for advice on orientation and they say we will be fine and just listen and be on time but i can't help but be scared when i hear some people have been let go during orientation. i would hate to be that person because i tend to be slow in the clinical setting and it takes me a while to process things. i dont want people thinking like " where did she go to school"? so thats what im worried about when i get on the flood that i wont remember things i learned in school or that i wont have time to critically think or think things through since there's so many tasks to do or that im gonna be that nurse that won't notice when something is wrong with my patient. i honestly dont want to be doing just tasks, i want to be able to question doctors and advocate for patients thats my goal but i know it's not going to happen in one day. so what are some tips to survive on the floor with my preceptor and to get the hang of things... thank you.all suggestions are welcomed

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i forgot to add that i'm going to be on a medsurg/ortho/neuro floor.it's a mix of everything and it's 6 patients with total care

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6 patients total care is a lot, are you sure there are no aides?

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There are but a few and only for one to one . I hear thry in the process of hiring more aides

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Make sure you have written documents that outline everything you are supposed to accomplish while you are in orientation. This will include some checklists, I'm sure. You need to know exactly how you are going to be evaluated, who is going to evaluate you, the timelines for each and every goal, and what type of rating scale they will be using. Make absolutely sure you are following all the policies and procedures - if you don't know the P&P, look it up before you make a mistake.

Get feedback from your preceptor &/or unit educator at least once a week so you can see where you stand. If you are falling behind, you need to know this as soon as possible, so you can put forth some extra effort..... rather than find out about it when it's too late to do anything.

When you receive critical feedback (something you need to improve), don't be defensive or emotional... listen to what is being said. They are trying to help you succeed. Take advantage of every learning opportunity that comes your way. Be pro-active to seek out learning opportunities if you need them. Don't complain - to anyone. Assume that anything you say will be reported back to the person you are talking about.

You can do this. Take a deep breath and go for it!

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Specializes in retired LTC.

PP gave you very good suggestions.

There's something called self-fulfilling prophecy. Like if you think you're going to fail, you most likely will. If you think you'll succeed, then you'll succeed. SOOOOOOOO... take a deep breathe and strive to do your best. Hey - you made it thru school and you got your license already (yes?).

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I start my first job on Monday. I am feeling anxious/nervous/excited/scared, but I am trying to stay positive. I think what we are feeling is pretty common. HouTx, I'm going to print off your advice and tape it to the mirror!

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I have felt this too when I took a position on med surg as my first RN position. Some folks on this site say there is a nursing glut and there is no shortage presently as the media portrays. Realistically, you could be "not what we need." In the meantime, demonstrate your commitment to learn, take initiative to talk with senior nurses after shift if they are willing and debrief some patient scenarios. Write questions down for later and seek out the awesome nurses you observe doing great work. Ask them how you can take steps to perform at their level. Describe some patient conditions you observe and ask how their thinking process breaks down the complexities. If you get the cold shoulder move on immediately by finding another RN who would take the time to help you.

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great tips.thank you and you right on about the trust.kinda sAD

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how weird. today in lecture, i saw that self fulfilling prophecy. i have never heard of it until i read your comment and saw it today

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Specializes in retired LTC.
how weird. today in lecture, i saw that self fulfilling prophecy. i have never heard of it until i read your comment and saw it today
A Twilight Zone moment!

Good luck!

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Specializes in ICU, ED.

When you receive critical feedback (something you need to improve), don't be defensive or emotional... listen to what is being said. They are trying to help you succeed. Take advantage of every learning opportunity that comes your way. Be pro-active to seek out learning opportunities if you need them. Don't complain - to anyone. Assume that anything you say will be reported back to the person you are talking about.

THIS! Honestly I think this is what can make or break you as a new nurse. The people I saw that were let go during orientation were defensive and felt like they already knew everything and didn't take advantage of learning opportunities. Treat everything like a learning experience and take constructive criticism graciously.

I also would advise you not to complain to ANYONE about ANYTHING! Get a journal so you can vent at home if you need to. Seriously. They don't know you, and you haven't built any loyalty or trust with your new coworkers yet so theres nothing holding them back from telling other people what you said. Keep your mouth shut, don't complain, and be nice to everyone, regardless of how they treat you, and that's how you will stay under the radar.

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