Offered my first job as a nurse... advice?

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Hi Everyone!!

So I graduated in December and have been hitting the job hunt hard, especially since I passed the NCLEX. Initially, I was only applying to hospitals as it has been my ideal environment to work in... then after my first interview and rejection with a hospital :( I decided to keep my options open and started applying everywhere. I had an interview with a sub-acute transitional hospital which also has a long-term care facility/nursing home as a part of the organization. The interview went really well and I was unofficially offered a RN position in sub-acute (pending reference check and background check). Learning about how the facility works was very interesting, but also intimidating. I am very interested in the position, but I am a little freaked out about it as a new nurse...

First, it is a heavy patient load. There are usually only two nurses working and sometimes one depending on how many beds are filled. I would have between 10-15 patients :nailbiting:. It was explained that I would always have someone as a resource if I have questions.

Also, the company was bought out (if everything works out and I get the job) I would be figuring my way around an entire transition.

I would only have 1-2week orientation.

And they are on computer charting, but meds are still charted using paper charting. I know this is silly, but I am nervous because I have only worked with complete computer charting through nursing school clinicals.

Are these legitimate things to be nervous about? I would be nervous starting any first nursing job I was just looking for some thoughts, input, and advice on how this sounds. Regardless of this stuff I am very interested and I think I would learn a lot at the facility and build a good foundation for my career. Plus the pay is great! I just dont want to be in a situation that I am not prepared for or that puts my patients or my license at risk...and maybe I am over thinking the whole thing :down: lol

Anyways, Thanks :nurse:

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

I would take the job. It is gonna be tough since it's your first job as an RN, but you can do it. If you don't feel comfortable after 2 weeks of orientation, it can't hurt to ask for more. Oh, always ask questions. Don't be afraid to. I'm only an LVN but when I worked LTC I had 30-40 residents at once. If you have a good support system at work, it will be great for you. :) Good luck!

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Thank you!! It sounds like a position where I am going to learn a ton and that is all I can ask for as a new graduate. Time to put this license to use! If I am formally offered the position I will be all over it like a rash lol. Also 30-40 patients holy cow!! Hats off to you no doubt!

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
Thank you!! It sounds like a position where I am going to learn a ton and that is all I can ask for as a new graduate. Time to put this license to use! If I am formally offered the position I will be all over it like a rash lol. Also 30-40 patients holy cow!! Hats off to you no doubt!

It does sound really awesome. I can't wait to get my RN & work in sub acute or med surg. Yeah it's typical for nursing homes. That's why I will never go back. :p

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Hi Everyone!!

So I graduated in December and have been hitting the job hunt hard, especially since I passed the NCLEX. Initially, I was only applying to hospitals as it has been my ideal environment to work in... then after my first interview and rejection with a hospital :( I decided to keep my options open and started applying everywhere. I had an interview with a sub-acute transitional hospital which also has a long-term care facility/nursing home as a part of the organization. The interview went really well and I was unofficially offered a RN position in sub-acute (pending reference check and background check). Learning about how the facility works was very interesting, but also intimidating. I am very interested in the position, but I am a little freaked out about it as a new nurse...

First, it is a heavy patient load. There are usually only two nurses working and sometimes one depending on how many beds are filled. I would have between 10-15 patients :nailbiting:. It was explained that I would always have someone as a resource if I have questions.

Also, the company was bought out (if everything works out and I get the job) I would be figuring my way around an entire transition.

I would only have 1-2week orientation.

And they are on computer charting, but meds are still charted using paper charting. I know this is silly, but I am nervous because I have only worked with complete computer charting through nursing school clinicals.

Are these legitimate things to be nervous about? I would be nervous starting any first nursing job I was just looking for some thoughts, input, and advice on how this sounds. Regardless of this stuff I am very interested and I think I would learn a lot at the facility and build a good foundation for my career. Plus the pay is great! I just dont want to be in a situation that I am not prepared for or that puts my patients or my license at risk...and maybe I am over thinking the whole thing :down: lol

Anyways, Thanks :nurse:

you take the job, it feels great working with people who are suportive ,good luck.

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Hi! I am in the same boat. Just got offered a job at a sub acute facility as my first RN job and am beyond nervous. Everything you wrote sounds just like my new job, including getting bought and everything being new. The only thing different is that they said they would have me orient for 3-4 weeks which makes me feel a little better. I am hoping for a great support system. Good luck to you! Let's hope for a smooth transition :) We got this!

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It is nice to have a little reminder that others are in the same boat! Good luck to you!!

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Good luck to you! I am in the same position. I just formally signed my paperwork today but they told me I would have 17 patients in sub acute. They're on paper charting but have training sessions for the entire staff to move to electronic. I will be able to train right with the nurses which will be great! It would be awesome if we can share advice/what we learn in our first sub-acute jobs!

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Im on the same boat. Just signed the papers yesterday and finish my drug and alcohol test. Now waiting for them to call me so i can start my training. They told me they would call me yesterday but nothing... Still waiting. The facility has about 20-25 patients per nurse. I got the night shift 7pm-7am..

I hope they call me today :(

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