Wish me luck!

Continue to seek help as needed. Everyone goes thru this phase and it will resolve when you have confidence in your ability. Good luck!

honestly, when seasoned nurses walked into the hospital for the first time as new rn's, we are all terrified. in the same way, it’s one of those things that don’t quite feel real, no matter how many times you repeat it over and over to yourself i’m a nurse. having said that, we have been in the hospital so many times in the role of the student nurse, and had our preceptors or instructors to rely on. needless to say, it’s a bit overwhelming having patients and staff relying on your judgment. although, the first time on the job can come with a few harsh realities, like feeling that you still have a lot to learn, as a new nurse one is knowledgeable in theory not when it comes to the real world. however, it quickly becomes apparent that it will get better as we expose ourselves to the art of nursing. furthermore, i have personally witness new grads. observe seasoned nurses with amazement, on how they work the floors for years effortlessly and fly through it all. granted, there will be times that you will questioned yourself if you have made the right choice, but as they say “it all comes out in the wash” unquestionably, at the end of each shift you too will be able to appreciate what it really means to be a nurse. wishing you the very best in all of your future endeavors…aloha~

I believe in you Beeker!

hope is not a plan. what do you plan to do to be successful?

"They cut my orientation short by a few weeks because 2 people left the night shift."

Make sure you have your previously agreed to orientation schedule in writing. Pushing you onto the unit for THEIR staffing issues is NOT ACCEPTABLE!

Concentrate on IV's and end of shift orders . In other words... what the day shift might be able to nitpick you on.

Of course, as nurses we must take accountability seriously. However...I would not hesitate to say.."maybe I would have seen that , or learned that.. if I had a complete orientation". "Thank you for that information... that will never happen again."

If you have any questions during your shift... seek out a seasoned nurse that you trust.. you will be completing your orientation on your own.

Good luck, pm me anytime.

hope is not a plan. what do you plan to do to be successful?

i feel this response is not helpful. she is just "hopeful" she can make it..

as she is thrown to the wolves.

Thank you all for the support! I survived my first shift! I was so busy I felt like I was running in circles. It got really hairy at one point when 2 patients were calling for meds(one for pain med and one for vomiting and zofran), 2 wanted to go to the bathroom and one confused gentleman that was trying to jump out of bed all night. What good is the bed alarm if no one responds to it? Techs were nowhere to be found, because they were super busy as well with double their normal load. I ended up asking the charge nurse to help, she said she would but never showed up. I did the best I could to prioritize and everyone lived through the night so I am calling that a victory. Dayshift today started out with 4 patients each so I am hoping staffing tonight will be better.

hope is not a plan. what do you plan to do to be successful?

well confucious, i will hope for the best and plan for the worst.

all kidding aside, my plan is to do my best. that is really all i can do at this point.