Do you remember your first day on the job?

[Joe V]

How was your first day at work? Were you excited, nervous, surprised, lost, or just happy? Share your stories below.

 

[imintrouble, BSN, RN]

First day as a brand new nurse, fresh out of school.

How can I forget?

It felt like one of those horror movies, where the length of the parking lot/sidewalk/hallway was endless. Like I was walking to my doom. I was terrified because I knew I didn't know anything.

The extremes in emotion, tend to sear themselves into your brain, making them impossible to forget.

[simnamanomi]

On my first day, ward sister said to provide a sponge bath to a 98yrs old woman. That was the first time I met a patient as nurse. I felt more fear and tension. But after the procedure, I felt an immeasurable satisfaction and I understood that my job selection is absolute.

[simnamanomi]

I am a student nurse of KTCT School of Nursing, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. I like my profession very much and I wish to practice as an oncology nurse because one of my uncles leave us due to cancer.

[Joe V]

Updated version...

[9kidsmomRN]

Ah yes! So much anticipation, butterflies, anxiety. Funny thing was that after the interview, the offer letter (yes snail mail 30 years ago) and accepted offer, no start date was communicated to me. After 2 weeks with no word I called to ask. “Oh! You start ***” which was the Monday after a holiday.  Got up early to look just right...45 minute drive to psych myself up (or out). General orientation started ( 2 other new grads and me amongst others) and when they started talking about the schedule for the next day, we new grads stated that we had boards on the Tuesday and Wednesday of that week!  In those long gone days boards were given in four 2 hour sessions over 2 days in my state and in only 2-3 locations across the state, and offered only twice a year—January and July. We couldn’t and didn’t want to miss/reschedule!! So, what a week! amidst all of that, I don’t really remember my actual first day on the floor. Two weeks later my preceptor broke her ankle and my next preceptor’s first words to me were “I hate orienting new grads.” Just a little intimidating...but motivated me to be the best new grad she had ever seen.  I hope I made her proud. RIP, MJ!