What Does the First Day of a Nurse Look Like?

There is nothing ever more exciting than finally living day one of your once one day. For nurses, everything is extra. After years of hard work, hours of clinical, return demonstrations, and more, come the first day of finally being a nurse. But what does the first day of a nurse look like?

First things first. Ensure you’re ready for your upcoming nursing shift by preparing the day before it’s scheduled. Whether you jot down your nursing shifts or create a calendar, these methods can help you mentally brace for what lies ahead. During the initial week as a newly registered nurse, your experiences may vary depending on the hospital, but in essence, they are likely to align with those of other recent graduates nationwide. The upcoming days might bring a mix of excitement and nervousness, yet by adequately preparing yourself, you can embark on your nursing career with confidence and a clear understanding of what to expect.

Three Things to Expect on the First Day as a Nurse

As a recent nursing graduate, having dedicated numerous years to studying and successfully navigating the NCLEX and OSCE, you’re enthusiastic about launching your career on a positive note. However, let’s acknowledge a simple truth: embarking on a new job can be daunting for anyone. Therefore, if you’re a nurse gearing up for your inaugural nursing shift, it’s crucial to guarantee a successful commencement to your nursing journey.

AuRNPathway cares and AuRNPathway knows that you are both thrilled and anxious on your very first day so we have outlined the three things to expect on your first day as a nurse to give you a head start.

The Mail/E-mail

You will receive your most awaited letter from the human resources department! Your new facility will provide you with details regarding the topics to be covered, the schedule, dress code expectations, and whether lunch will be supplied. By this point, you should already be aware of the specific nursing role you’ll be undertaking and the patient population you’ll be caring for.

For instance, if you’re assigned to a long-term care facility, you’ll be working in a homelike setting with elderly patients dealing with chronic conditions and the effects of aging. If you’re entering the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), you’ll be in a hospital environment, focusing on critically ill infants. Utilize available resources to start familiarizing yourself with the tasks and equipment you’ll encounter. The online nursing community is vibrant, offering a wealth of information to address numerous questions before your actual work begins.

Orientation

During your orientation, you might find yourself in a classroom setting alongside other new nurses, some of whom may have temporary licenses or have passed the NCLEX and OSCE to become registered nurses. The duration of classroom sessions can vary, ranging from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the specific unit. Nurses in general medical-surgical floors might undergo a shorter classroom orientation, while those in specialized or intensive care units could have a more extended period.

Your nursing orientation will cover training on the hospital’s electronic medical record (EMR) system and data entry procedures. Typically, several hours are dedicated to understanding the medical record process, allowing you hands-on practice on a computer before transitioning to the unit.

Additionally, you’ll receive orientation on the hospital’s general hardware, including IV pumps, patient monitors, and oxygen delivery equipment. Acquiring a foundational understanding of both the hospital’s software and hardware is crucial for minimizing potential errors in medical procedures and charting, especially during the initial weeks.

Recognizing the challenge in recruiting experienced nurses for emergency or operating room positions, some hospitals have initiated residency programs for new graduate nurses. These programs encompass a general hospital orientation, extensive classroom instruction, and unit-specific nursing orientation spanning approximately a year.

Shadowing the Preceptor

Following the classroom phase, you’ll be paired with a preceptor on the unit. A preceptor, often a floor nurse, is responsible for providing your training. The duration of this training period can vary depending on the facility and your specific specialty. This experienced nurse will guide you through the unit’s structure, help you locate supplies, and explain the unit’s patient care processes.

Expect to shadow your preceptor for a couple of days before assuming your own patient assignment. In the first week, you and your preceptor typically share one patient assignment, allowing for additional support as you familiarize yourself with the unit and the EMR system.

Live your First Day as a Nurse in Australia through AuRNPathway

Embarking on a nursing career can open doors to both financial stability and a satisfying professional journey. Nursing, being a promising field, offers abundant opportunities. However, it’s crucial for nurses to grasp the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This might entail exploring new nursing paths that allow for a tailored schedule aligning with one’s lifestyle.

In the near future on your first day as a nurse, you might feel a mix of excitement and nerves. It’s normal to have expectations about what the day will be like. You could be eager to learn new things, meet your colleagues, and help people feel better. However, it’s also okay to feel a bit unsure or anxious because everything is new. Just remember, everyone starts somewhere, and your first day is a step toward becoming a great nurse!

You are almost there! AuRNPathway is beyond excited to help you live your sought-after dream as an AuRN. We have made dreams come true for some, we will make yours, too. Enroll with us, and finally become one of the Registered Nurses in Australia. See you in Australia!