Starting a new job and nervous

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Specializes in LTC, rehab, medical review.

I just got the call today that I got a job at a local LTC facility for a weekend shift of 12 hours each day. I'm so nervous! I am an LPN, entering the LPN-RN bridge in January. Presently, my husband works Monday-Friday, so with our 4 kids, all I could do is weekends. I tried LTC for 3 months last year, fresh out of school, when my youngest was only 3 months old. I was very nervous at this job, and had a very long commute (50 minutes) and it was for 40 hours a week. So, I was away from home a lot, and that also made me nervous at my other job. This job I got is literally down the street from me, and only the two days a week, and for more money than I made before, so I am excited, but still nervous. I won't see my older two as much (they are in school full days, so only have the weekends free), which makes me sad. Any tips to prepare me? I just hope I will be ok at this job!

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Specializes in ER, Trauma.

Remember, you go in needing to learn. Don't get frustrated because you weren't born knowing everything. Focus on the big picture. Every day is one day closer to having your RN license. Good luck, don't psych yourself into failure, and I'll look forward to congratulating you when this little journey is behind you.

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You can do this, you will be just fine.

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Specializes in Geriatric, Med/Surg.

I think we've all been in similar situations, where we are just stepping out of the box for the first time and understandably, quite nervous about it. My advice to you is to not let your staff know how nervous you are, as it may undermine their confidence in you. That doesn't mean that you can't ask them questions about how things have been done in the past. Just keep your feelings of insecurity under wraps for a few shifts and soon you will find yourself feeling much better about your position. But don't be afraid to ask questions of your supervisor when they arise. That's what they are paid to do.

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Specializes in ER.

Starting a new job is almost always scary. Being away from your family for so long doesn't help matters either. Just a tip on starting a new job, take a fruit basket or baked cookies on your first day at work. Maybe after you've been working there for awhile you can have your family drop by for lunch and that way you will get to see them more.

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Specializes in Med/Surg and ANCC RN-BC.

CONGRATS!!!! that is so awesome that you got a job! Being a new grad and new to nursing I was super nervous to start the floor. I didn't know what to expect and did know how to organize my day. My preceptor my first night showed me how she organized her day. She had a single sheet of paper and had all her patients on that one sheet. For me I thought that was great, because I lose paper like nobody's business. Just watch what your nurse does that first night and shadow her. That way you can learn how she does her assessments, how she charts, how do medications, ect.

Remember it's a learning experience. Always ask questions if you are confused or don't understand anything. Remember to just breath! The nurses on the floor told me that you won't be comfortable being a new nurse until a year or so after. Remember the nurses you work with are your team. They will be there for you when you are lost or don't understand.

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