New and Unsure Nurse Seeking Advice.

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Hi, I say "nurse" but I'm not really a nurse.. I just got a job as a Nurse Tech at a rehabilitation hospital. I am 19 years old and have no clinical experience what-so-ever. The hospital is going to train me and said that working as a Tech would be better than a CNA considering I am going to be an RN eventually and then someday I could work as an RN for them.

I know nothing regarding how to do things, and am getting a little nervous for my first day.

I understand the duties involve CNA work and certain other procedures like foley catheter insertion, etc. So I'm not really asking about WHAT is involved.

I am more interested in tips and things I should know. Best ways to learn things, study tips, things YOU wish you would have been told from your first day.

ANY advice is greatly appreciated, really. :)

Will I be able to succeed at school as well? I will be working 3 days a week, 3-11....

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Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.

I don't know the difference between a CNA or a tech, but I would think asking questions, be eager to learn and ask for the facilities policies and procedures would be helpful to know. Good luck!

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

First off, please do NOT refer to yourself as a Nurse until you conplete the LPN/RN courses and pass the NCLEX and have a licence giving you the legal right to call yourself a Nurse. Doing so will tick off those of us who spent years in time, money, sweat and tears to earn the title.

Now as to your questions. Are you assigned to a mentor/trainer? This person/people are the ones who will show you how to perform all the required elements of your current position. I conclude that you have not started the job yet from the questions you ask. My advice for current position and once you become a Nurse are the same; Never be afraid to ask questions, no matter how dumb you may think the question is. If you don't know how to do something or don't know the answer to a question, ask, there are no dumb questions, only stupid mistakes.

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Specializes in LTC/Rehab.

:sofahider Please don't call yourself a 'nurse' if you are not one. They normally get very angry about that. There is also a 'CNA' and 'Tech' forum here on allnurses.com under 'students' that you may find useful. I'm sure you'll find the answers you are looking for there.

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