Starting first job as a new grad nurse- So nervous!! Need advice!!

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I graduated in May, got licensed in June, and will be starting my nursing career next month on an Intermediate Care Unit. I am extremely excited and nervous, which is to be expected. But I'd like to hear some tips on how to adjust as a new grad nurse. Also, I'll be working rotating shifts (predominately nights) and I am by no means a night person. Tips on how to adjust?

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Specializes in Ortho-Neuro Rehab, CRRN.

Congrats on your new job! Can't offer any advice - as I am a new grad like you starting my first RN job soon. Good luck to you.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

Congrats on the job!

Being nervous is pretty normal. Carry a pocket sized notebook to write things down that maybe unfamiliar. Even common meds that are usually ordered on your unit, become familiar with them. Review unit protocols. Be proactive. Soak up as much info from your preceptor and ask plenty of questions.

Give yourself time to grow, learn, and become a better nurse. You are new and you'll learn time management. Try not to fall into being solely task oriented. I started on a critical care floor as a new nurse and it was rough but a great learning experience in the end.

I went from days to nights when I switched specialties. I now love nights, maybe because the differential is significantly higher at my hospital for night shift. At first it was an adjustment but I got into a groove soon after. During the day, just napping for 3-4 hours allows me to function well for the entire 12 hours of my shift.

Good luck!

Sent from iPink's phone via allnurses app

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