5 Tips For Getting A Good Start At Your First Nursing Jobs
When it comes to starting a new nursing job, there are steps you can take to ensure that your first nursing job, after you finish nursing school and start your first full-time nursing job, is successful. Succeeding as a nurse is about more than just knowing the right information.
1. Take Your Orientation Seriously
First, you need to take orientation seriously. Your orientation is an important learning opportunity for you. During your orientation, you are going to learn the ins and outs of the new systems for your new job. You will learn where different supplies are located, and the different systems used to provide care to patients. Treat your orientation as if it were a class at nursing school; you are going to learn important things you need to succeed.
2. Make Sure You Are Assigned a Mentor
Second, at most new nursing jobs, you will be assigned a mentor. If you are not assigned a mentor, ask if one can be assigned to you. Your mentor is there to guide you beyond the orientation. Your mentor is going to help you learn the ins and outs of your new workplace that are not going to be covered during orientation. A mentor can help you learn the tricks to succeed at your job.
3. Avoid Getting Caught Up in Drama
Third, every workplace has its share of drama. As a new employee, your job is to stay out of it. If talk drifts to talking negatively or gossiping about others, do not participate in the conversation. Instead, refocus your conversation towards patient care and ask questions about things you can do to improve patient care. Focus on talking with your fellow employees about how to improve patient care instead of how to break each other down.
4. Get to Know Your Team
Fourth, take some time to get to know your new team. Ask people how they are doing and learn how to support each member of your team. Learn about the people you are working with and treat each person with respect. Nurses work long shifts, and you want to be able to work together with your fellow nurses; they are your team works.
5. Be Willing to Learn
Finally, you may have just finished nursing school and feeling on top of the world, but you must be willing to learn. You need to accept instructions without assuming that instruction is criticism. You need to be willing to ask questions and accept guidance from your fellow medical professionals. Nursing is a jog where you are always learning, so be willing to be a lifelong learner.
As a new nurse, when you start your first nursing job, be sure to take the orientation seriously. There are always going to be things to learn at a new job, such as policies and procedures and systems you are not familiarly with. Focus on developing relationships with your new team, be willing to learn, and you will succeed at your new job.
If you are interested in improving your skills further and supporting your fellow nurses, look into nurse coach jobs.
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