Question for new nurses (working as a nurse 3 month to 3 years)

[kia2974]

Hello all!

I have a few questions for new nurses that have been working anywhere between 3 months and 3 years. This is for an assignment that is due next week. Responses are greatly appreciated:

1. What was your socialization/orientation to nursing like after graduation?

2. Did you experience reality shock?

3. If so, how long did it last?

4. Have you recovered from the shock?

5. If so, How?

I will be precepting this quarter, and I am terrified!! I'm sure that your responses will give me a good idea of what to expect after graduation, and help me prepare for, and deal with the range of emotions and stress that I'm sure will be heading my way. Thanks in advance.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I'm in psychiatric nursing.

1: 1 week of classroom training, 30 days of orientation/preceptoring where we work the floor but under a preceptor assigned, then we remain on probation (new hire) status for 6 months. At 6 months, we'll be evaluated...I will let you know how it goes in 2 months

2: No. I knew that real world nursing was not going to be the ivory-tower nursing that we learned in school and on the NCLEX, so I wasn't expecting anything unrealistic. It was an adjustment getting used to working as a nurse as well as developing my nursing and time management skills, and I do have new graduate growing pains from time to time...but I wouldn't say they are reality shock by any means.

3-5: N/A

[Bug Out, BSN]

6 days of evening floor orientation to the medicare/rehab floor then started on the night shift on another floor...ugh.

I was/am too busy to realize anything. When I first signed my name as Bug Out RN I knew that I was now playing for keeps. I knew what I was getting into, there are some experiences that continue to suprise me but I immediatly took a long hard look at my personal pride and kept it in check. I soak up knowledge and experience from everyone I work with including the housekeeping, CNAs and LPNs, everyone has valuable tidbits of knowledge to teach.

Keep an open mind, you have just started a lifetime of learning, never think yourself better than the lowliest employee on the floor.

Like the organs of a human body, you rely upon everyone in the team. When one organ fails, it hurts the entire body. The rectum is no less important than the heart.