Smooth Transition into becoming an RN from a student

roser13, ASN, RN · Apr 30, 2013

I would say this: Apply for every single opportunity that comes your way. No holding out for positions in the specialty or on the floor that you have been dreaming of. Unless you happen to live in one of those rare areas of the country where new grads can still easily obtain a position, you need to be open and receptive to starting your nursing career in an area that does not remotely resemble what you thought you wanted.

I'm definitely not advising you to jump at the first job that is offered to you. If an offer gives you the heebie jeebies or your radar is alarming, of course you wouldn't take the position. I'm just saying be open to opportunities that you wouldn't necessarily have originally considered.

Tait, MSN, RN · Apr 30, 2013

Ask for help/ask questions but always be prepared to answer "what have you thought of so far" and offer that up in advance. :)

Best of luck!!

Tait

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Apr 30, 2013

the best character trait would be patience - with yourself mostly. You will be frustrated at all you have to know. This is NORMAL. Spend the next two weeks researching coping skills so you can use them later. Good luck!!

kjohnson14 · May 2, 2013

@roser13--I have already put my application in for our local hospital! I have applied for all the RN openings that I think I would be interested in..(total of 8 so far). I like your advice about being open to the idea of working somewhere I wouldn't have originally thought because that is exactly what has been happening thus far. I am finishing my precepting on a floor that I wasn't quite sure about. However, I have LOVED my preceptor; she has been an awesome teacher and I have really enjoyed working on that particular floor. I have applied for a job on this floor and I am hoping that I get an interview because it turns out I really enjoy that floor!! Thanks for answering my question!

@tait---Thanks for responding to my question.. I am very good at asking a lot of questions! I ask about anything that I am unsure about or that I want/need to know more information about.

@classicdame---I agree that patience is a good trait to have especially with yourself. I have experienced some crazy days precepting and can easily find myself getting frustrated with myself because throughout the day; plans obviously change and unexpected things happen making you fall behind from your normal planned out schedule. I have learned to not panic about falling behind because I will be able to catch up at some point in the day, especially with charting and documentation. Thanks for answering my question and I will always keep in mind--be patient with myself especially while I am a preparing to be a new graduate nurse!