out of school for 3ys..new job and freaking!

[erin01]

hi,

i am super excited to be starting a new job at a hospital on a ccu stepdown. After i left nursing school i had to work for the dr who payed my way at her office in the city. it was an ob speciality office..so i did not use any of the skills i learned! I am now getting nervious and need adv. I went to look for some old school notes to try to refresh but it made me more nervous. I have 6weeks on a med/sug and 6w on ccu step down for orentation. Please help i am so worried that i will be a disaster and the nurses will hate me. please any adv=)

[Aneroo, LPN]

Chillax! :)

You probably learned the skills you needed- assessment (even if it'll need some tweaking for med/surg), time management and critical thinking. That's the biggies that you won't learn in the classroom.

If you're worried about physical skills (IV's, caths), talk to your unit educator (you should have a mtg. with them anyways before you start). If you're not getting a lot of practice with those, ask to spend a day in the ER or the pre-op area where chances are readily available.

12 weeks is a long time for orientation. I had 14 weeks for new grad orientation to an ER- that is plenty of time for you to become used to the unit policies and flow and get some experience with skills.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

Remember, you do not have to learn it all in one day. I hope you get a preceptor. If not, ask your manager about it. Then utilize the rest of the staff and do not be afraid to ask questions.

If it makes you feel any better, get a copy of a book describing nursing tasks. We often worry about the tasks, but in reality it is the critical thinking behind the tasks that are so important. Good luck!

[RosesRN]

wow, its encouraging to know that you can work at a docs office after nursing school and still get a job at a hospital later.

[onetiredmomma]

Remember, you got the job!!! Something in your interview must have impressed your new bosses. Take a deep breath and try to relax. Don't ever be afraid to ask questions and make sure you get all of the orentation promised.

Good luck!!