J.O.RN

I have heard many people at my new job say, "if you can work here, you can work anywhere!" and although that's kind of scary to say to someone who's only been orientating for two days, I do see what they mean. The patient load, the medications, and charting seems like so much work to do. It is doable though, and I know it will help me gain so much experience and knowledge. It will also prepare me well if/when I do end up working in a hospital. I can't wait to see how much I learn in just a few months!

Thank you so much for your response! I have done a total of two days of orientation and I AM EXHAUSTED. They told me that they are giving me 10 days of orientation, and I was very shocked. I might ask for an extension, but I'll see how it goes. It's going to be very difficult. I already feel like I've learned so much but at the same time I feel clueless. I am lucky to say that my preceptor is very sweet and does not make me feel dumb for asking questions. I really do need to invest on new shoes and compression socks, because I'm already sore from only two days on the floor ? Thank you again, and best of luck to you! ❤️

Hi everyone! I recently graduated from an ADN program in May, took the NCLEX end of July, and officially became a registered nurse! I am so excited to start my career as a nurse. I started looking for jobs immediately after I received my license number, and it has been such an overwhelming experience. I am starting school in October so I can get my BSN, because I know many hospitals prefer or even require a bachelor's. My plan was to get a job before starting school and gain experience. I do not have a lot of experience in healthcare, and was only a CNA for 8 months during nursing school. I worked at an office in my college for a total of 3 years and that's my only job experience. I quickly realized that nobody wants a new grad nurse with no experience in healthcare. Nothing in my resume makes me stand out ? The whole month of August, I applied to multiple hospitals. I am interested in ICU, ER, Telemetry and even Med-Surg. I know that as a new grad, ICU/ER or any specialized department is very difficult to obtain. I still hoped for the best and applied for those positions. I haven't heard anything back, and many of my applications have not been accepted. It's very discouraging. I applied to a RN position at a Rehabilitation center close to my home. After three days of submitting my application, I got a call and scheduled an interview. I was very excited. The interview went very well, and met the DON. I was offered the position and I will begin my orientation this week. At first I was hesitant to take the position because I have always wanted to work in a hospital. But this is not the time to be picky, experience is experience. I want to learn everything I can during this "New grad" period. I won't lie though, I am extremely nervous. I have heard so many stories about new grads working in rehab, and getting 15-20 patients at a time. I hope I will be able to handle it ? Ever since I started nursing school, I always read different discussion boards on this page whenever I needed advice about something. I saw it as experienced nurses giving ME advice. I see all of you as my "Nurse Moms" ? Now I truly need advice. ANYTHING is helpful. I want to know how to properly prepare myself as a New grad, things I need to know about working in a rehab facility, how to not pass out on my first day and anything else you guys recommend! I'm open to any advice. Thank you everyone!