Tip #1: Know the numbers
You have accepted your first nursing position and will begin your orientation tomorrow. The first few days are very similar regardless of what facility you have chosen. Fire Safety, HIPAA, and an array of educational modules will be presented to you. Your head will be spinning with paperwork and introductions.
Once you get through the Human Resources pitch and all of the other regulatory mandates, you will finally set foot on your unit. Although you will be linked to the hip of a preceptor for an agreed upon length of time, the most valuable information to obtain immediately is this: How to call a code blue, the direct phone number and beeper number of the nursing supervisor, the direct phone number and beeper number for your manager, and how to call off if you are ill.
(By asking for this information, you will show that you are conscientious, but you will also feel a little more secure just in case …)
October 13th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
That is all important information to get when you start a new job and get to the floor. There is really a plethera of information that flies your way about the hospital, the unit, and patient care when you first start; and it is VERY overwhelimg!! But in time you become more comfertable with your skills and where things are located on the unit and so on and so forth. I just had my 90 eval, and I couldn’t believe I had already been there for 3 months!! I just got off orientation about 2 weeks ago and things are going great, my skills are improving and my confidence is building, and yes I still have questions every night about where some paper work is, how to put in some orders, or about meds and procedures, but that knowledge comes with time!! I am loving my job, the people I work with, and the care I am giving to my patients and all that I am learning!!
October 13th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Julia, glad to hear that your career is off to a great start. You have chosen an art Julia. The first few years are the years of concentrated learning and then it is lifelong learning after that. It sounds as if you are really loving what you do and that is so refreshing. Good luck with all and remember that you always have a reference point with Stressed Out Nurses. I wish you the best of luck and hope to have further discussion.
October 17th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
it truly is some of the most important information we can gain when walking into a new floor. If you dont know that hospital policies and practices you can find yourself lost very quickly. Thankfully, I was introduced to all of the goings on of the hospital right up front. My job is going wonderfully and I am not relying on my preceptor as much as I was before- I can feel myself getting comfortable with the fact that I am the nurse now. What a great feeling!
October 17th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Chelsea, your comfort level will increase each shift that you work. Continue with your positivity as you grow in your new role as a nurse. Always have someone there as your mentor that you can use as a resource or a sounding block when needed. Remember that you have your friends here at “Stressed Out Nurses” to help alleviate any stressors or to answer any questions that you may have related to your new role, clinical issues, skills, etc. Take care!