Starting a new job

**Wasz** · February 8th, 2009, 11:44 AM

I got a nursing job at Mercy hospital. Spent all of last week doing orientation stuff and filling out paperwork. Monday I start the real deal. My first shift on the floor. They're starting me out with a preceptor for a few weeks, so she's supposed to show me the ropes.

While I'll be happy to be using my new education, but I've seen what its like new nurses. Anyone out there with any experience have any advice for me, as I venture out into the real world?

**mikey** · February 8th, 2009, 11:50 AM

Congrats on getting the job!! Hope it turns out to be a keeper.

**OneLungMcClung** · February 8th, 2009, 12:20 PM

Wasz!

Haven't heard from you in a while. Congrats on graduating and Congrats on the Job - I just started mine at a local hospital here in Philly. Count yourself lucky - two thirds of my graduating class are still unemployed! And they're nurses! This economy sux...

Listen to your preceptors - and remember this: you are not out of school yet!!!. I am still essentially in school with dysrhythmias, ACLS, Critical Care course, etc. I just saw my first patients last week.

Have you NCLEX'ed yet?

Also - even if you didn't get the type of floor you wanted (I did, lucky little man I am), so for instance you got Med/Surge and wanted ICU - you will learn a ton. This first year is the hardest - trying to keep our asses sorted from our arms!

Good luck, Man!

-The Lung