Starting my new job!

[8*P23J]

Hello all! Here to say that I am a brand new nurse and just passed NCLEX not even a week 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!

[BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN]

Saying you don't want to hear the dirty truth (or in your words, negativity) is doing a disservice to yourself

[SamanthaRN1989]

Good luck!! First nursing job is going to be stressful regardless of how prepared you feel. I precept a lot of new nurses at my job and suggest this- be nice, have a smile on your face, and ask questions. Don't hesitate To ask questions even if you feel like they may sound dumb. A nurse who asks questions will ALWAYS make a better nurse than one who guesses.

[8*P23J]

Good luck!! First nursing job is going to be stressful regardless of how prepared you feel. I precept a lot of new nurses at my job and suggest this- be nice, have a smile on your face, and ask questions. Don't hesitate To ask questions even if you feel like they may sound dumb. A nurse who asks questions will ALWAYS make a better nurse than one who guesses.

I have definitely heard that! My instructors always told us to ask questions even if we think we already know the answer. That is what I plan on doing.

[tawnyalee]

Hey!! I start a new grad program at inland valley in sd on July 20 too :) same, just out of school and definitely nervous but excited! I've been running over and over in my head assessments and skills. Let's keep on touch. In gonna be med surg also, nights.. Where are you located?

[8*P23J]

Hey!! I start a new grad program at inland valley in sd on July 20 too :) same, just out of school and definitely nervous but excited! I've been running over and over in my head assessments and skills. Let's keep on touch. In gonna be med surg also, nights.. Where are you located?

I'm in NC! I'll be in the western part come July! :)

[scaredsilly, BSN, RN]

This isn't exactly negative, because I am positive you are going to feel like you know absolutely nothing, and that will scare and frustrate you. (sorry)....First thing you do--before you even start working, is grab a couple of your classmates who are also just starting and form a support group because when you can call these people and hear that what you are feeling is completely normal and everyone else feels the same, it will make you feel so so much better!!

The ask question part is the best advise--but try not to have to ask the same question twice.

Carry an extra pair of shoes to work-on a 12 hour shift, changing midway through saves feet!!

If you have any down time at all, offer to answer calls for other nurses (not just your preceptor) these nurses will be there after orientation and you want them to know you are a team player and someone they can count on.

Your learning is just beginning....nursing school was the dress rehearsal--now is the real show! You can do it, they wouldn't have hired you if they didn't see something awesome when you interviewed....remind yourself of that every time you feel inadequate. Also remind yourself that every single one of us has been there....and most of us survived!!!

[crossfitnurse]

I'm a new grad/just finished my internship and I never drove home in tears. Was I tired? Some days. Sleep was always a priority and I made it a point to have a hobby I loved aside from work, even with a kiddo.

You'll be great! Always accept feedback with open arms and an open mind. Always be willing to try things you've never done with some good guidance near you. You'll have a blast!

[THELIVINGWORST, ASN, RN]

I'm a new grad/just finished my internship and I never drove home in tears. Was I tired? Some days. Sleep was always a priority and I made it a point to have a hobby I loved aside from work, even with a kiddo.

You'll be great! Always accept feedback with open arms and an open mind. Always be willing to try things you've never done with some good guidance near you. You'll have a blast!

Agreed!

I have never once cried because of work. I have cried with patients and family members but never have I cried because work was stressful. Work is WORK.

[johniekish]

Hello, I will be starting with you too. I have been running over the same things and going over just a few things but I am afraid I missing things to review. I wonder if any of us will get to work on the same unit!