A Survival Guide for your First Day

A Survival Guide for your First Day So you have completed your studies, created an amazing resume, aced the interview, and finally landed your dream job. However, surviving your first day on the job is the most difficult thing for a person. On your first day, you may be thinking about hundreds of things including meeting new people, entering an unfamiliar territory, and many other similar concerns.

Will my boss like me? Will I be able to adjust in the new environment? Will I make new friends? Do I have enough education for this post? All of these questions are expected to run through your head over your first work day, so don't be alarmed. Below are a few tips to help you relax and prepare for your first day on the job as a nurse.

Sleep Well Being prepared on your first day is important; therefore, make sure you have slept well the night before. Don’t get stressed about meeting new people and working in a new environment, rather, try to keep yourself calm and composed. Try to sleep earlier and make sure to get eight hours of sleep. A lack of sleep will make you irritated and nobody likes a cranky nurse.

Related: Top 10 Tips to Prepare Yourself on the Day of the NCLEX Familiarize Yourself Whether you will be working at a hospital, a patient’s home, clinic, or as a school, it is essential that you familiarize yourself with the workplace. Know who your immediate senior is, what his or her name is, his or her contact information, and all the other important details. You can even have a look around the premises to know more about the space. Doing this on the first day of your job will help you ease off the anxiety and make you more confident in the situation.

Arrive Early On your first day, make sure you arrive 10 minutes early. Arriving early makes you take control of the situation and keep your calm. Arriving early on your first day can help you interact with your fellow nurses and make some friends. It will also help you stay organized. People who arrive early gain a huge advantage over others because they are more organized and can pay attention to important tasks.

Think Before Answering A nurse can never answer a question without thinking about it or without having complete knowledge of the situation. A nurse who answers without thinking can lose the

trust from doctors and patients. So, if you are in doubt, ask a doctor or your senior. This is particularly important on your first day, as this day gives you a chance to make the best first impression.

Related: Is it Ethical to Refuse a Patient?

Invest in a Good Pair of Shoes Being a nurse, you need to stay on your feet during the length of your duty and not having a comfortable pair of shoes can create discomfort for your feet. It is essential to understand that not every shoe is designed for nurses; therefore, you should choose a shoe specifically designed to offer you great comfort. A nurse should pick up a shoe that offers maximum support to the ankle and the entire foot. As a nurse, you are prone to great workplace injuries, so make sure you wear a comfortable pair of shoes.

Moving Forward By following these tips you will not only be prepared for your first day, but you will also be as relaxed as possible. Don't get discouraged if you have questions or if you are a little nervous, as anxiety is expected on your first day. Eventually you will learn everything you need to know and become more familiar with your new surroundings in no time.

What advice can you offer to nurses who are preparing for their first day?

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