SCARED!

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I am starting my first day on the floor (L&D) tomorrow! I am scared! I have been out of school for four months now, and finally got a job where I did my transistions. I thought that would alleviate some of my anixety, but I am freaking out since I haven't been on a hospital floor for over four months... not to mention last week during the nurses orientation they were asking all these situational questions that I was like "uhhhh".... and when the answer was given my reaction was "oh... right"... I just feel like I am so unprepared, even though I am cramming like a champ right now. I have never put an IV in a patient, or even have done a blood draw on a patient, and this will be expected of me--- I know that I will be with a preceptor for awhile, but I am just scared of the unknown... any advice, words of wisdom, or expectations that the floor will have of me for at least the first week??? Thanks :)

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Specializes in Case Management, Psychiatric Nursing.

:ancong!:

I agree on being scared im on orientation right now 4th day & get nervous when i walk in the door.. Just hope for a good Preceptor take notes im sure if they know you are a new grad they will show u the ropes before they let u on your own. just remember to ask questions and dont do anything your not comfortable with ur license is on the line!

I hope You enjoy it!

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Specializes in OB/GYN, Peds, School Nurse, DD.

YOu're going to be okay. I"m really surprised that you never had to place an IV or draw blood in school, but I guess they don't do that anymore:confused: Most hospitals that I have worked at like to train you on their way of doing IVs anyway. And working in L&D, you're going to get puh-lenty of practice. You'll be a pro in 6 months, I guarantee it.

As for not knowing what to do, I imagine that you really do know what to do but you don't know how THEY want you to do it. All your book knowledge will start to come back once you're actually practicing in the field. The hospital will put you through orientation on fetal monitors, pre-eclampsia, ante-partum and post-partum care, and care of the neonate.

Hope you get a patient preceptor. I loved everything about L&D. I"m too old to be on my feet so long now, but I'd go back to it in a heartbeat.:redpinkhe

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Specializes in OB, Peds, Med Surg and Geriatric Nsg.

You're lucky, it's hard to get into L&D at this time. I've started L&D when I got out from school and its pretty much interesting. With IV's, I agree with mustlovepoodles, you'll be a pro within 6 months. Just don't forget to take notes on important stuff and pay attention to what your preceptor tells you. Brush up by reading key concepts regarding maternal and child health. Good Luck!

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Specializes in Cardiac.

Don't focus on the things that will come with practice and experience. I'm sure they don't expect you to be a pro at Iv starts yet. Although being L&D I'm sure you will in no time! Focus on assessments,organization and priortizing. Things will start to come back to you. You know the unit which is half the battle. Good Luck!

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Thank you everyone for your advice and encouragement... it means the world! (and I will continue to look at posts). I survived my first day! It was a good refresher day... on to day 2 hopefully I'll sleep better than I did before day 1 :)

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Specializes in Neuro/Med-Surg/Oncology.

If you feel like you know what you're doing from the beginning, you're probably not going to be a safe practitioner. A small dose of healty fear/respect is a good thing. You won't feel like you know what you're doing for awhile and that's a good thing. Nervewracking for you, but a good thing.

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