Orientation - so far, so good

[LaceyRN12]

There are so many negative things on this thread (understandably). I just thought I'd let something positive out there. I am on my 4th day of orientation. I'm asking a lot of questions and asking my preceptor to hold on so I can write the answers down. My preceptor is SO nice and patient and helpful. So are the other nurses on my floor. She told me that she has oriented many new nurses before and she's seen good and bad nurses (unwilling to learn). She said I'm doing very good and even told the supervisor that. I got so happy. I couldn't believe she said that. I made a couple really stupid mistakes and she still says I'm doing good... maybe it's because I'm willing to learn from my mistakes. I gave some meds completely on my own, and I felt so proud, haha. Charting on the computer program is overwhelming, and I know I have so much to learn. I'm trying to absorb everything... like when and what to do when patients go for procedures, when to call the doctor, pharmacy, etc. I know I should feel so stressed out about how far I still have to go, but I'm feeling good. And I'm finally getting paid for my hard work.

I'd just like to pass on the fact that focusing on how far you've gotten is important. I waited a very long time to get this job. And I'm thankful to be where I am right now.

[born2circulateRN]

Congrats! That is so awesome to hear. I am in the same shoes as you are but I am in my 6th week of orientation. And I too feel proud when I sucessfully care for my patients and hear that I am actually doing great during orientation - I'm sure lots of people feel the same way. Keep up the good work!