orientation. check. Computer training. check. First day..TOMORROW

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Jan 23, 2011

Take a small notebook with you so that you can write down the things you need to remember. Be positive, show confidence, ask questions. Ask your preceptor if you can engage and participate in patient care with her/him as they are teaching you. Talk to your patients and smile!

Eat breakfast, and make sure that you are including protein. I cannot stress enough how important this is. Wake up an hour earlier than you normally would so that you can "center" yourself and be ready to focus on your day.

Be eager to learn but also be mindful that your preceptor is doing two jobs: teaching you and taking care of her patients. It is sometimes taxing to teach and care for patients, so allow your preceptor some space if they need it.

I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!! Be genuine, make sure you are smiling, and laugh at yourself if you make a mistake. Go get 'em!

coastalcattery · Jan 23, 2011

Best of luck to you! May this be the start of a long rewarding nursing career.

coastalcattery · Jan 23, 2011

Best of luck to you! May this be the start of a long rewarding nursing career.

avidhunter3 · Jan 23, 2011

thank you so much!!! I am very excited, I guess its normal to have fears over the unknown! I just hate to be a burden and I know as a new nurse in training, you are going to burden the one training you!

coastalcattery · Jan 23, 2011

I'm excited for you! Don't be afraid to ask questions. I hope you get a good preceptor. Congratulations!

kerussll · Jan 23, 2011

It sounds like you will just be shadowing a nurse on your first day. That's what I did just a few days ago. Good luck!

Ruby Vee, BSN · Jan 24, 2011

how exciting! congratulations. ask lots of questions, and listen to the answers. my guess is that since you've started this thread, you're already doing that!

avidhunter3 · Jan 24, 2011

oh yes, I have no problem asking questions and really listening to the answers~! Here are some of the things I am the most scared of. You can tell me if they are justified or not!

1. of course being asked something by the DR that I have no idea what he's talking about!~

2. understanding the dialect of some of our foreign DRs when they call

3. not understanding quickly enough if I am in the room with the DR and he tells me to go do/get something

4. Knowing exactly what to do in a code situation!

coffee&milk · Jan 24, 2011

Congratulations on your new job! I dont have any tips because i am still a student nurse. I wish you well.

avidhunter3 · Jan 24, 2011

thank you coffee! good luck on your schooling )

Ruby Vee, BSN · Jan 24, 2011

oh yes, i have no problem asking questions and really listening to the answers~! here are some of the things i am the most scared of. you can tell me if they are justified or not!
1. of course being asked something by the dr that i have no idea what he's talking about!~
2. understanding the dialect of some of our foreign drs when they call
3. not understanding quickly enough if i am in the room with the dr and he tells me to go do/get something
4. knowing exactly what to do in a code situation!

if someone -- anyone asks you a question and you have no idea what they're talking about -- ask! most people are happy to explain and those who aren't aren't worth worrying about.

if you cannot understand someone -- not just physicians but lab, housekeeping, pharmacy, families, other nurses -- ask.

if you're in a room with a physician -- or anyone else -- and you don't understand what they're asking for, ask. the longer you're working there, the more you'll understand and the faster you'll be able to find whatever.

you'll get training re: what to do in a code situation. the first pulse to take in a code is your own!