First job as a nurse; proud but nervous!

3 The title says it all. I'm new here to allnurses, brand new to nursing, & proud as heck to have been offered my first job as an RN. (very humbled and thankful, too, as I realize it is hard to find ANY job right now).

So the kicker is, I'm scared like heck, too! Here comes the reality of responsibility.
"New-grad-in-a-month" seeking encouragement here. I know the 'real' learning starts after school...just feeling the enormity of being a nurse...!

Thanks.
Congrats on the job!! Where will you be working?! Just go in with an open mind and willing to be helpful! And if you dont know, DONT FAKE IT, ask another nurse! (Although, sometimes you have to fake it in front of the patient until you can get help! )

u can do it! Congratulations, it feels really good doesn't it!

Congrats!Scared is OK - High alert will keep your patients safe!Also - just hang on for the first 6 months or so. It WILL get better and you WILL eventually feel like you know what you are doing.

Quote from KayRN910Congrats on the job!! Where will you be working?! Just go in with an open mind and willing to be helpful! And if you dont know, DONT FAKE IT, ask another nurse! (Although, sometimes you have to fake it in front of the patient until you can get help! )

What is a clinical decision unit?The first few months will be a learning curve. There will be some days you feel you just can't do it all. Eventually it will all be second nature.Oh, and never let the pt see you sweat. Fake it in front of them and then find someone who knows. Last but not least, always ask for help. Welcome to the trenches!

Quote from Do-overCongrats!Scared is OK - High alert will keep your patients safe!Also - just hang on for the first 6 months or so. It WILL get better and you WILL eventually feel like you know what you are doing.

Congrats on your 1st nursing job! A little scared is good, it'll keep you on your toes. Ask lots of questions, look up things if you have to, don't fake it if you don't know it (except for in front of the patient like one poster said til you can find out for sure). Keep an open mind. Be willing to put patients on a bedpan the same way you're willing to start an IV on a patient. You'll be fine!

Quote from tokmomWhat is a clinical decision unit?The first few months will be a learning curve. There will be some days you feel you just can't do it all. Eventually it will all be second nature.Oh, and never let the pt see you sweat. Fake it in front of them and then find someone who knows. Last but not least, always ask for help. Welcome to the trenches!

Quote from CameoRNThe title says it all. I'm new here to allnurses, brand new to nursing, & proud as heck to have been offered my first job as an RN. (very humbled and thankful, too, as I realize it is hard to find ANY job right now).So the kicker is, I'm scared like heck, too! Here comes the reality of responsibility. "New-grad-in-a-month" seeking encouragement here. I know the 'real' learning starts after school...just feeling the enormity of being a nurse...!Thanks.

Quote from LuxAeternaRNRight there with you! When do you start?? My first day is tomorrow. It does cause you to feel extremely thankful for this new grad RN opportunity. I keep telling myself several things and I'll tell you the same (gotta self-pep!): 1. You made it through nursing school and passed the NCLEX: it definitely doesn't mean you know it all (that's ok!) but it DOES mean you are able to plug along and learn. 2. Your employer saw potential in you and believes you have what it takes! 3. You're a smart, capable person and you can do this!The advice here is great. I think we just have to go in as little newbie sponges and be willing to soak up all the info we can. As the others said, being helpful is always a good rule of thumb with any new job. I think employers appreciate a new grad who is humble and willing to ask questions instead of being overly confident. You will do great!! All the best.

I'm a new RN too....almost 8 months in, and it does get easier. But you learn every day. And of course, don't be afraid to ask questions, but also know that you will need to continue to study and do your own research.

Thanks Cameo First day down and it went well! It was a full day of orienting to the company, finding out benefits and... *drumroll* getting that pretty little RN badge, haha. Tomorrow will be more orientation, followed by 3 days of computer training! My dept hung a banner for the "newbie sponges" - so nice to feel welcomed! I look forward to hearing how your first day goes as well!!!