Starting my new job!

ktwlpn, LPN · Jun 3, 2015

Hello all! Here to say that I am a brand new nurse and just passed NCLEX not even a weekends ago! I start my new job as an RN July 20th and frankly, I'm quite nervous! Is there any advice you can offer to help get me through my first year as a nurse? Please no negative comments. I'm already well aware it is going to be stressful, but I want to know how you handled the stress of your job as a new nurse so that I may transition a little more smoothly!

Congrats!Since you don't want to hear how you will often be more mentally and physically exhausted then you have ever been before..or you will drive home in tears on a regular basis...or feel totally overwhelmed ,scared spitless...I will say try to carry sensible ,portable snacks,spend money on good shoes and support hose..Ask LOTS of questions...Always be able to assist your peers...Work on your poker face and body language....

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Jun 3, 2015

Have a good brain sheet-search here on AN for "brain sheet" and pick one to help you get organized; lean that you will need to self-study-just because schooling is over doesn't mean you stop learning-It has just begun.

And remember what I call the 3 C's in becoming a competent nurse:

Competence: follow policy and procedure and best practice;

Consistency: Be consistent in following best practice

Confidence: meaning; be confident to ask questions, learning and be confident in figuring things out-even when you don't have the answers.

Best wishes.

Oceanpacific · Jun 3, 2015

Congratulations! Welcome to the profession. You are just starting your adventure. A nurse has the ability to transform a patient's experience and you are about to meet patients, some of whom, you will remember for the rest of your life for both good and not so good reasons. If you are working inpatient I agree 1000 percent about making a little blank cheat sheet "form" where you can write little reminders about each patient and things you want to communicate to the next shift.

Even though so much documentation is computerized these days, you still need a good pen. Best wishes.

thevez · Jun 4, 2015

Congratulations í ½í¸ƒalways be positive. Take care of yourself. ASK QUESTIONS IF YOU DON'T KNOW. ASK FOR HELP. Do not be shy and be friendly to your co workers. Always put your patient's first but also take your breaks and lunch. Do not feel like you have to know everything because you will not. Don't forget to pause if feeling overwhelmed during the shift.

8*P23J · Jun 4, 2015

Congrats!Since you don't want to hear how you will often be more mentally and physically exhausted then you have ever been before..or you will drive home in tears on a regular basis...or feel totally overwhelmed ,scared spitless...I will say try to carry sensible ,portable snacks,spend money on good shoes and support hose..Ask LOTS of questions...Always be able to assist your peers...Work on your poker face and body language....

I almost forgot about getting support hose! Thanks for the reminder :)

8*P23J · Jun 4, 2015

Thanks all! I'm so excited to start! I'm definitely going to try my best to keep my positive outlook, no matter what!

Oceanpacific · Jun 4, 2015

When I was a new grad I was proud that I was able to get most of the nursing tasks done if I never took breaks or had lunch. My "head nurse" told me -- "You must not be a very good nurse if you don't budget the time required to eat." That stung my little ego so much that I was determined to prove to her that I could do my job and have lunch too! It ended up being great advice.

BecomingNursey · Jun 4, 2015

What specialty? We may be able to give you more focused tips if we know what specialty you will be in.

8*P23J · Jun 4, 2015

What specialty? We may be able to give you more focused tips if we know what specialty you will be in.

Med/surg telemetry

BecomingNursey · Jun 4, 2015

Awesomeness!!! I work ER so I can't give you many tips but I can tell you if you don't start off scared as he** of being responsible for people's lives I would be concerned. Lol

The first day I realized I passed boards and I was going to be working in an ER and be responsible for people's lives I freaked out. Lol It slapped me in the face like a ton of bricks. I was nauseated and couldn't believe the responsibility I was taking on. But you can do it! Take it one patient at a time and just do your best. That's all you can do.

Good luck and congratulations!

8*P23J · Jun 4, 2015

Awesomeness!!! I work ER so I can't give you many tips but I can tell you if you don't start off scared as he** of being responsible for people's lives I would be concerned. Lol
The first day I realized I passed boards and I was going to be working in an ER and be responsible for people's lives I freaked out. Lol It slapped me in the face like a ton of bricks. I was nauseated and couldn't believe the responsibility I was taking on. But you can do it! Take it one patient at a time and just do your best. That's all you can do.
Good luck and congratulations!

Thanks! It hasn't quite hit me yet. Reality hasn't quite set in...everything still seems like a dream. But I am definitely nervous about having people's lives in my hands! I thought I was nervous as a student...at least I had my instructor and my primary nurse. Now I'm the one taking on full responsibility. Sure, there's orientation, but you get what I'm saying! I'm excited and scared all at once.