tips for orientation- new rn

[AngelofSeduction]

hi i'm due to start ortientation soon at elmhurst hospital and may i add i am nervous as hell. afraid that i don't know enough or that i don't remember basic knowledge or skills learned in school. i know everyone keeo saying it's normal but i can't stop feeling like i'm not gonna make it. and i don't want that. when i see students who just graduated a year ago and i see how confident they look that's where i want to be. i wonder how do they apply school to the hospital, they just graduate and look so confident. i'm a little on the slow side with learning new things and i'm afraid i'm gonna let my neres get to me and not do things right. i feel like i forgot little things like how to tie a restraint. what if i can't pick out abnormalities and do a good assessment skills. so many what ifs. what are some tips for me to make the best of orientation? to take initiative, learn how to talk to the staff,advocate, etc. i really want to give it my all! a lot of patients and people ive worked with said im going to be great but why dont i feel it. is it really gonna come together and how can it i don't even remember certain things in depth? sigh* and also what are some tips to deal with different personalities. i'm a strong person and can come off strong being that i'm a Leo which people can perceive as ****** or mean but that's not the case. also i hear people say ask a lot of questions but i'm a quiet person what if i dont the know right questions to ask. just need some advice it would help to know someone felt exactly like me and survived

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Kind of a weird user name there Angel - just sayin'.

My advice comes from the perspective of both a hiring manager & nurse educator.

Focus on listening, understanding and absorbing what you are told and shown. I mean REALLY Listen... don't just pretend while you're thinking up what you want to say. Take time to process and analyze the feedback you are given. Don't be defensive. They're not out to get you. They're trying to help you achieve your orientation goals.

Secondly, make sure you have a clear and accurate understanding of what you need to accomplish in order to 'pass' orientation. Get copies of all the forms. What does success look like? Who grades or rates your performance. What is the criteria? Validate your assumptions.

Finally, take responsibility for your own performance. Keep track of all the documentation and make sure that it is completed (checked off) appropriately and within the right time frames. Insist on weekly feedback on your progress. Identify your own gaps and ask for help or additional resources when needed.

We've all been where you are. You can do this!

[AngelofSeduction]

haha i know the other usernames were taken. but thank you for your advice specially on the listening part because i'm guilty of listening to think about what i'm going to say and not really listen the way i should

[mommycruz3]

Why don't you brush up on some things you don't remember on your time off? Google some info, open a book, start to refresh your brain a little and maybe you will gain some more confidence. Youtube helps!