It’s been quite some time now that I’ve been working, already more than a month. And at this point, I still can’t get over the fact that I’m not in school! Even though I’m constantly under supervision from my preceptor, it is strangely liberating. For the first time, I don’t have to rely on my professors for feedback.
Now, I am the one patients are looking to for information about their diagnosis or prognosis. I know what to say (most of the time) when they ask a tough question about their medication or their plan of care. Sure, there are times were I feel a little less experienced than other nurses, but that’s to be expected. I ask tons of questions, whether I think they are stupid or not. I love learning new things everyday and, so far, I have done that. It truly is amazing how often the simple tasks, such putting in an IV or hanging an IV medication, are done on a daily basis. It truly is a different setting out here in the real live nursing world.
I give my school a lot of credit because I really feel like it prepared me for my first nursing job. Even though it’s hard to truly get a grasp on what it’s going to be like my professors and my courses me a realistic expectation. Obviously, I’m learning something new with every different patient I get, but I feel grounded knowing that my background will support me.
Time management is that one thing I don’t think school stressed enough. In clinical, we had one patient and eight hours to get everything done. You can imagine it’s taken a bit of adjusting. Thankfully, I am very good at prioritizing and using my time wisely, but there are nurses who just can’t seem to keep everything in order.
The floor I’m working on is very fast-paced. There is always something interesting going on. The first time I look up at the clock every day, it’s practically already lunch time. It makes the day go by so quickly.
Working 12-hour shifts, despite the many benefits, can be pretty tiring. I would say I’m on my feet for 10 to 11 of the hours I’m at work. This is a change for me after spending time on my calm and quiet antepartum unit last semester. It has taken some getting used to, but I have realized the importance of proper footwear.
I never thought I would love cardiology (that’s where I’m working!) so much. I truly am enjoying learning all of this information about the heart. I am much more comfortable with the monitors and the medications now. Who knows? Maybe this is where I was supposed to be all along! As I always say, everything happens for a reason. This experience alone solidifies my belief in that saying.
I still have another month on days and then I will be switching to nights. I have never worked nights before, so if anyone has any advice for me that would be great! What gets you through the night?
October 13th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Chelsea-
We all get tongue tied when talking with patients and families, yes, even us seasoned nurses that remember the caps and white hose. Scripting is a great way to get past this. Keep a mental file of phrases for specific situations that seem to work. You can also pick up on what some of your colleagues use.
As far as the 3rd shift thing, keep in mind that you are playing with your natural clock. It is important that you eat properly and stay hydrated. Get your 8 hours of shuteye too. For some reason our friends and family often do not realize that when they are calling us in the middle of the day at noon it would be like phoning them at 3am. Don’t be a victim of it. Remember to take care of yourself first. Instead of eating meals while you are working on third shift it is often helpful to have frequent finger foods such as veggies and fruit. Watch the carbs or you will be found sleeping in a vacant room at 4am. Hope this helps!
October 13th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Chelsea,
First, congrats on making it through the first 30! That’s tough to do! In terms of working nights, I would be prepared for the first few weeks to be very tough. However, once you get your routine down, you’ll be ok.
whenever you get tired, get up and walk around, find something to do.
Cut out caffine and sugar within 6 hrs of bedtime. Make your bedroom a place for sleep only…and let your family/friends know NOT to disturb you.
good luck!
October 17th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Thank you guys so much for the tips about switching to nights! Its nice to get feedback about how other people adapt to that change. I will try all of your helpful hints when I go to night! Oh and work is going really well, I’m starting to feel comfortable as a nurse!
October 23rd, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Hi Chelsea, just checking in to see if everything is going well for you. Do you seem to be getting enough rest? Remember, if you have any questions or concerns about your new career you have a group of friends and colleagues here at “Stressed Out Nurses.”
October 29th, 2008 at 8:32 am
hey Deanna, things are still going really well, thanks for checking in. I actaully havent switched to nights yet! I still have two months of orientation because its a critical care floor. There actually may be a day position becoming available so I’m hoping to grab that! I really like the fast passed day shift so we will see. thanks for all your help!!!
November 1st, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Chelsea, I hope that you are able to grab that day shift position if it becomes available. Working the 3rd shift for a new nurse can be difficult as the pace is usually slower and the opportunity to use and gain new skills is usually rare. No matter what, remember to always reach out for whatever opportunity comes your way. Be a sponge and soak up any education and information that you can as it will only benefit your practice and your patients in the long run! Take care…
January 8th, 2010 at 3:37 pm
Wow I am so glad I came to this website I am a GN on a cardiac floor just started yesterday. I am completely overwhelmed. I feel like everything I learned on school went out window. Please any advice would be appreciated:)
July 21st, 2010 at 9:47 am
Lynn: Take it one day at a time. Find a seasoned nurse willing to share her experience with you and you’ll be fine. If you have someone you can depend on when you’re in a bind, it helps tremendously. Don’t be afraid to ask questions - it’s when you don’t ask questions and you’re unsure that you get into trouble. Best of luck in your career!!