patient care orientation, nervous about new job

[jollygirl098]

I am about to start my patient care orientation in my new job. What exactly is taught in patient care orientation. I passed my NCLEX with 75 Q and am very confident about my theory but still going on floor as an RN with preceptor makes me nervous. My hospital is a teaching hospital and preceptors are paid for teaching but still I am nervous.

What preparation I can do for my patient care orientation ?

How can I overcome my bad experience with a nasty preceptor in nursing school who really made me feel I am good for nothing ?

Some tip or any advice is appreciated. This is my first job on med-surg floor.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

every new grad goes thru this to some degree. What you can expect is they will have you work thru certain competencies (all new hires, regardless of experience have to document competencies). They should assist you in learning how to handle several patients at once, how to manage time and set priorities, where to find policies, what is the pecking order and just make sure you are safe. You can help yourself by not coping a know-it-all attitude (did not read that into your post), by asking pertinent questions and by owning up to your own responsibilities. If your preceptor is not suitable, request another. Do not expect to be comfortable as a nurse for many months. Just take one day at a time and don't forget to breathe.

[L8RRN]

Some people told me they didn't like my preceptor before I had a chance to meet them. I kept an open mind and was VERY happy with my preceptor! I couldn't imagine a better person to teach me and guide me through my first couple of months.

I mention this to remind you to keep an open mind going into it and don't judge the situation based on your previous experience (or anything you may hear about your preceptor from others).

Best of luck to you!