My Nursing Career Begins!

From nursing student to working on the wards...

I graduated from my nursing program, took my nursing board exam, wrote up my CV and cover letter (with several edits) until I finally had the courage to send it.  As confident as I wanted to appear at my job interviews, my knees were shaking.  I had hoped to give them a good first impression but did I have what they were looking for?  After only a few days of the waiting game, a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders because I landed my first job in my nursing career.

I was nervous about being the "rookie" since I wasn't at the same level of experience as the nurses on the ward.  Just listening to the nurses morning report on their patients sounded impressive.  So many questions went through my mind.  Would I fit in with the healthcare team? Would I be a burden to my preceptor?  Will I be able to manage my time well? What if I made any errors?  I was now responsible for patients’ lives and no longer had a nursing instructor by my side.  

As part of my orientation, I was paired with a nurse preceptor to help guide me through my first six weeks of my career. We worked closely together and she helped me organize my plan of care among our patients. Every day I arrive a few minutes earlier to see my assignment and get settled on the floor. By being on time, I want my colleagues to know that I'm reliable and have a strong desire to work with them.  I ask questions and take notes along the way to help my training go as smoothly as possible.  The hardest part is convincing myself that I'm competent ----rather than worrying about a new nursing intervention- I just have to do it! My commitment I've made for my patients is that I'd maintain current knowledge of every action I do and provide a safe environment.  Our continuing education is mandatory so it's a good thing I'm still in the mode of active learning.  A novice nurse couldn't know everything so sometimes I ask, "Since I've never done this before, could you please walk me through it?" It's all part of the learning process. If I know of a certain procedure being done with a patient that wasn't actually assigned to me, I take initiative and ask to observe and assist, in order to gain experience.  I was now out of school but is when the real learning begins ...and after every new skill I've accomplished so far, I think to myself, "that wasn't so bad at all" and move beyond many of the fears that I initially had.  Presently, the tough thing for me right now is that I often get attached with some patients and think of them after my shift has ended.

If I plan on having a long healthy career in nursing, I must be mindful of burnout and take care of myself as well.  Us nurses need to take our breaks, enjoy our lunch, take a breather and have "me time" after work.  It's not a selfish approach because my time is demanded both at work and at home.  It's also important that an open line of communication with friends and family is established about what's being asked of me and how I could meet their needs without giving too much of myself.  Besides, we have to stay positive and motivated in every way.

Since I was a unit co-ordinator a few years ago, in the very same department I currently work at, I was familiar with my surroundings. However, this time I needed to know where all the supplies, equipment and medication were stored in, as a nurse.  I also knew more than half of the staff so being sociable was not very difficult.  They knew I enjoyed sitting with them during lunch, and bonded by getting to know one another.  After all, I spend 12 hours every work day and need to stay connected with my "family" of nurses.   Fortunately for me, with the endless support from my fellow colleagues, transitioning from student nurse to registered nurse has been a lot easier than I had anticipated. I've got a lot to learn in the next few months but my colleagues have told me that I'm better prepared than I realize.  Here goes....My first year on a neurology/neurosurgery department...

MCB xo