Preparing for new job!

[tmartin83]

Hi All!

So I just left my employee in-processing and health meeting, and I am kinda excited and ready to get started! I just want to know if anyone is also waiting to start their new RN jobs, and if so, do you review old notes or anything before starting. I am a new grad (graduated in May), and I just want to make sure I am fully prepared prior to starting.

I am also a bit nervous after reading so many of the stories on AN, and I don't want to mess up or anything. I also feel as if I have an issue with effective and precise communication (as in I get tongue-tied, use the wrong words because I'm soooo nervous, etc.). Any suggestions on how to improve upon that also?

Thanks! And any suggestions specific to starting on a med-surg (ortho-neuro) unit would be awesome also.

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

I'm starting a new position in a PICU in a couple of weeks. It's my first job also and I am extremely excited and a little nervous as well. That's normal. The great thing is that the orientation period is designed to help us get used to the environment, our role as a nurse, and how the facility operates. Congratulations and good luck!

Since I just passed boards I have been studying like crazy, so I'm not reviewing any old notes. I did ask my manager if there was anything specific I should brush up on before starting. Since my job is much different from yours, maybe your manager could give you some good insight. Otherwise, ask what types of patients are typically seen on the unit so you can review nursing care for those diagnoses.

It can definately be intimidating to communicate information as a new nurse, especially to a physician. I find that it is very helpful to write down all my thoughts before making a call or approaching a doc. Not a paragraph, but quick notes about what I need to make sure I mention to him. I also make sure I have all the assessment info that I need before calling. Look up a communication tool called SBAR. It's very helpful for organizing your communication with a doctor or another nurse.

[tmartin83]

Congrats to you also! I took my boards on the second, so I've been... um... resting and hid the books for a while to relax, lol! Yes, I definitely remember SBAR, and I'm glad you brought that up! Thank you sooo much!