Starting my first RN job next week...advice

[MJB2010]

I am terrified! I also have learned that my preceptor has never worked with a new grad before, and this makes me super nervous!!!!!!!!!!! I feel like everything I learned in school is somewhere up there, but when I am nervous I freeze up. I am not sure how to get past this anxiety!!! I really want to do a good job, I feel like I remember nothing about meds. Hoping it all comes back!

Oh, and what should I bring with me? What goes in your nursing bag everyday? Steth, pen, and what else? :)

[L8RRN]

No advice really except TRY to relax and not be too hard on yourself. You are learning and are not expected to know everything. Just be safe! I am rather new myself (approaching end of first year) and understand how you feel.

As for stuff I like to carry on me, I would include a pen light and scissors. I keep a roll of tape on me and I grab some some flushes and alcohol pads for my pockets at the beginning of each shift.

Good luck!

[canesdukegirl, BSN, RN]

Bring a small notebook so that you can make notes. Bring a confident attitude with you! Wake up early and eat breakfast-something high in protein. As gross as it sounds, I mix walnuts with salmon because they are so high in protein and it fills me up. Bring your lunch so that you don't have to find the cafeteria and worry about being late coming back from lunch because you have to stand in line. I keep a jar of peanut butter in my locker when I feel hungry and can't stop for a break; I eat just one tablespoon. I saw some docs do this to tide them over until dinner, and it really works.

You CAN bring your own drug book so you can make notes, but I am sure the unit has one there.

We were all nervous our first day, so remember that anxiety is normal. You will feel out of place and awkward the first week, but remember to shake hands and have good eye contact with the nurses you will meet. SMILE. That goes a long way. Get to know the unit secretary-they usually know EVERYTHING that goes on in the unit, although most of the time they say they don't.:)

Bring your sense of humor. You will laugh at yourself a lot, and people tend to gravitate to those that are laid back.

People will know that you are nervous, so don't offer that up verbally. Make sure that you ask lots of questions. Remain confident and know that you have prepared, you HAVE passed the boards, and you ARE knowledgable. It is scary to start your real job as a nurse, but just remember to keep your focus. It is easy to feel overwhelmed. Review what you did when you come home at night, and visit this forum often to gain some insight from others who are experiencing the same.

I am proud of you for beginning your first day! Hugs to you!

[canesdukegirl, BSN, RN]

Oh yeah, scissors are a MUST! As well as a roll of tape.

[canesdukegirl, BSN, RN]

Forgive me for posting so many times, but I just remembered...wear TED hose and a good pair of shoes. I wore tennis shoes my first day and regretted it! Get some Dansko's if you don't already have them. It is a GODSEND to have good shoes on your feet!

[MJB2010]

Wow thanks everyone for the great advice! I know this first year is going to be tough!

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

I only bring my stetho and a drug reference (epocrates on ipod). Although every unit has a drug reference it might be in use, out of date, and good luck finding it sometimes. You don't want to be in a position when you need to give a drug, and can't find that reference material. That's not really a good reason to be late with a med or withhold either. I would also try to get internet access, either through a work station (assigned) or a wireless device. It is helpful to look up medical conditions or quickly get additional information on something. (Make sure you are within policy here). Good luck!

[Summer Breeze]

Don't worry about your preceptor! I know it isn't the same, but during my senior preceptorship in nursing school my preceptor had never precepted anyone before! I was her first person and she was SO amazing! I definitely learned a lot from her. I really enjoyed my experience. =)

Good luck! I'm sure you'll do great.

[diligent-trooper]

Well, my uncle's advice would be: "Go in there like you know what you are doing,and if you don't, just fake it!"

On a serious note though, just know you are new. They do not expect you know everything. What they do expect, is that you are motivated, prepared, and take the initiative to learn. If you have any concerns or questions, ask away! Finally, know it is a process. And, as time goes by, you will ease into it. The nerves will settle overtime, and you will be on your way in becoming the competent nurse you always aspired to be!!!!!! Hang in there, and good luck!!

[ObtundedRN, BSN, RN]

I think everyone else has pretty much said it all. The only thing I would add: Don't go in and act like a know-it-all. Which judging from the anxiety you seem to have, you probably aren't one of those people. lol. Good luck!

[clinicpedsnurse]

Make sure you have a alphabetized book, like an address book(empy just lines) that fits in your pocket. As a RN for 34 years, it will fill up with notes very quickly, and all the changes, as there are many. The ones with a more flexible cover are best. I bought mine at Barnes and Noble, and alot of my co workers use them also. A supervisor once told our staff that you are considered "new" for two years, so take advantage of asking questions, etc. Congratulations and have a great career!