Please help, injury and first day!

Nurses General Nursing

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So long story short I am starting my first RN position tomorrow on an ortho/neuro floor. I had general orientation this week and have my first day on the floor with my preceptor tomorrow from 6a-630p. Well monday they gave me a tetorifice shot and the pain has become unbearable so today I went to dr b/c its red swollen hot etc. He said its a bad reaction to the medication and gave me hydrocodone. He also wrote a note to give my supervisor stating I am not to use my right arm for a few days. So what would you do?? Would you give it to ur DON and hope she's understanding or just do the best as possible? I am so nervous about tomorrow as it is and now this!!! Also, how much do preceptors usually have you do the first day and would it be bad if I just wanted to observe for the first day...or at least a good majority of it? I have NO idea what to expect and I've had like 3 anxiety attacks today! Also, I took a hydro tonight but obviously I cant take any tomorrow which I am SO worried about!!

PLEASE GIVE ME ADVICE!!

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Specializes in Hospice.

the first day is mostly shadowing usually, if its really bad i would postpone the start day until your better

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Specializes in LTC Family Practice.

I'd drag my butt out of bed and show up read to work but with note in hand, let them decide on what you can do that day based on the Dr.'s note. It's way not cool to not show up your first day.

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the first day is mostly shadowing usually, if its really bad i would postpone the start day until your better

In almost every situation the first day and sometimes even longer it learning where to find things and shadowing... have your note, but show up. You don't want to get a reputation for call in's before you even start. They will understand. :nurse:

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In almost every situation the first day and sometimes even longer it learning where to find things and shadowing... have your note, but show up. You don't want to get a reputation for call in's before you even start. They will understand. :nurse:

This. Good luck tomorrow.

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You are taking Vicodin for a tetorifice shot reaction? As far as I know, if you have a prescription for a narcotic you are allowed to be on it at work. My first couple days at work were shadowing, so if you can't use your arm it shouldn't be too big of a deal. I would show up, and explain your situation. Could you just take some Tylenol or Motrin for the arm pain if you are worried about taking a narcotic?

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Oh my goodness! There is not much one can do in this situation. I am sure in a short few days, your right arm will be back to normal. I would not sweat this, it truly is something you could not have foreseen and prevented. When you are able to resume your work place duties, you will have plenty of time to redeem yourself. :yeah:

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I also just had my TDap shot and it hurt so bad. Not to be a baby, but I know what you're talking about. As for what to do, show up and be ready to work. Definitely give the note to the nurse manager, and they should be able to work around it. As to the medication, bring it and ask if it's okay to take it. If you get the go ahead, then take it, if not, at least you won't be using that arm. Btw...the more you move the arm, the more the pain will disperse.

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