How long does it take to settle?? / Enrolled Nursing / Nursing General / Forums / NurseCentral -

Author	How long does it take to settle??
keeshy (offline) Joined: Apr 2007 Location: Melbourne Posts: 189	Sun Dec 28, 2008 9:12 am Just a question for other nurses out there..Div 1 or Div 2. I have been in my Job since the beginning of October and its a very busy surgical ward, lots of different and strong personalities and alot of things to learn and get used to. Some days I feel very confident and other days I feel really less than confident. How long does that settling in period last generally? How long til I dont feel like such a 'rookie'? I still ask loads of questions and always double check things (not the basic stuff but other things). I have some nurses that support this and some I work with are not so supportive. Anyway tell me your story please :-)

Ronnie (offline) Joined: Oct 2006 Location: XXXXville Posts: 34	Dec 29, 2008, 10:56 pm Last edited Dec 29, 2008, 10:56 pm update #1 I feel the same Keeshy. Same type of scenario although not in a surg ward. From talking to those that are supportive it will take a couple of years before things are running reasonably smoothly. As for the personalities...you will never please everyone and you may not get along with everyone. I reckon the trick is to not worry too much about this aspect of the job. Be pleasant and always thank others for advice or help, don't appear over confident and try and remain calm under pressure.The BIG thing is don't stress over stuff when you get home. If you have forgotten to do something, ring the ward and let someone know or if it is relatively minor, let it go. Don't beat yourself up over it; nurses can be thier own worst enemy in this regard. Instead, take it onboard for next time. There will always be those that appear to be picking on you but on the other hand, they may also be alot more experienced and actually be giving advice in their round about sort of way. Enjoy the ride..........cheers modified: Monday 29 December 2008 10:58:53 pm - Ronnie

keeshy (offline) Joined: Apr 2007 Location: Melbourne Posts: 189	Jan 02, 2009, 08:15 pm Thanks Ronnie :) Can I ask how long you have been out for? I guess its all still the new rookie stage...i know it will take longer than a few months but some days I just feel like im never gonna get there yk? You are right about not worrying about the ppl and just worrying about the job. It can be hard sometimes but that is what I am trying to focus on..the job and not trying to be everyones bestie. I mean I do want to get along with ppl and I think its important to get along with ppl you work with..but we cant like everyone hey!

Ronnie (offline) Joined: Oct 2006 Location: XXXXville Posts: 34	Jan 05, 2009, 10:46 pm Last edited Jan 05, 2009, 10:46 pm update #2 I've been nursing for not much longer than you Keeshy but have been working in hospitals for a number of years prior to uni. It doesn't matter how many years experience you have, you will always have great days and not so great days...that's the nature of the beast. Everyone has to start somewhere and there is no doubt that it can be overwhelming, its a known phenomenon and well documented in nursing literature (reality shock) so you are not alone. Any nurse manager/team leader worth their salt knows this and should support your transition. If you are doubting yourself talk to your manager and get some feedback on your performance...you may be pleasantly surprised. As for work colleagues, take a look around the ward; factions, politics, groups, long/short termers, full/part time, hospital/uni/tafe trained, loud/quiet, gay/straight you name it, its there. Be a reliable employee and the rest will come of its own free will. If your hearts in it, it will all fall into place soon enough. Cheers modified: Tuesday 06 January 2009 12:49:16 am - Ronnie

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How long does it take to settle??