NewRN089

So I'm a fairly new grad - 8 months in. I work on a med-surgery unit at a big university hospital. Whenever I miss something or have a rough shift - as we all do when we are learning-- I go home feeling horrible. I can't stop thinking about how I should have done better and end up worrying about my patient until the next time I work. Of course nothing bad has ever come of my small mistakes and I really try to never make the same mistake again. Still, I lose sleep and worry that I'm just incompetent. How do you keep from doing this? It's not an everyday thing, but when it happens I really get stressed about it. Thanks in advance!

I'm not sure. I graduated the year I turned 50. No one mentioned age. I got a job fairly easily. I didn't advertise my age but I don't look 50 either. Attitude and personality can go a long way.

Yes - If they ask why you chose nursing AND your answer does not make you appear to be a potential burden to them. These stories are meaningful to us but often TMI in an interview. If it's in the past and does not affect your ability to give 100% to the job then it might be ok. Good Example: I helped my diabetic younger sister learn about her condition and manage her insulin and diet. I realized that i really enjoyed helping and teaching. Great for peds or any nursing job. Cli Bad example: I have Crohn's disease and have so can relate to.my patients as they deal with their disease/condition. I would not share this up front. As for the typical story of watching/helping a loved one go through a long term illness, being touched by the nursing care, etc.- I think this can appear to be too cliche. Remember- relevant and not a current burden.

Also- use action verbs and bullet statements when describing what you did in your former jobs. If mentioning previous non-nursing jobs, emphasize customer service and teamwork. This skills always transfer and are key to getting hired. The managers want to know that you will fit into their organization. They want positive, teachable, flexible, team players. For the new grad, nursing skills are mostly interchangeable in a typical med-surg job. Stand out by appearing a good fit for their team.

New grad here. I asked my manager (during my interview) what made a new nurse sucessful on our unit. She said" the ability to get along with the team." She said, you have the apporopriate nursing knowledge and skills, but interpersonal skills make or break you. So I'd emphasize team work stories and your ability to assimilate into any group. It's true. You have to get along with your co-workers. I've experienced this in my 6 months as a new nurse. I'm jealous. I love babies! Good luck.

I am 50 and have been offered two jobs since graduating. So ageism is not always the reason. Have an HR person or recruiter look at your resume and cover letters. A fresh objectIve eye can see things we don't. Also our school offered interview coaching. The would even video the practice interview so you can see yourself. It can really help you catch any unconscious mistakes that might be holding you back. Can you go back to your school for this type of help? You sound passionate and caring but sometimes we need a little polish too. Good luck!

It's 2 weeks of classroom to get up to speed on skills needed for the job. There is a charge that doesn't take patients. It's not tele, just M/S. The acuity level varies, but nothing too serious. There are lots of positives. I think it would be a great learning experience. I just never considered having that many patients. Well, I do have a lot to think about. Thanks for the comments.

So, I have a potential opportunity for a first RN job on a MS floor. The people seem great- good chemistry at interview. It's a teaching hospital w/a good reputation. My problem is that orientation is only 6 weeks and I would have 6-7 patients. This is a very small unit and with low staff turnover. Management seems good. But, this just seems too short and too many patients. l am really torn.. in clinicals the ratio I saw for RNs was at most 5:1. I did fine w/3 patients as a student on a tele floor. The patients are not that sick- it's just mixed bag M-S stuff. I am a quick learner and a second career nurse, so I have had lots of other work experience. What do you think?