What every GN should know about the first day...

I officially made it through my very first day as a GN! I can't even say I barely made it because honestly, it wasn't nearly as "bad" as I thought it was going to be.  

I imagined every terrible situation possible, and as my luck would usually have it, they all would have happened...but not today :) However, here are some things I wish I would have been a little more prepared for and I hope this helps my fellow classmates as they set out for their first 12 hour day on the floor. 

1- Practice your introduction.  I've been walking into patients rooms for 16 months introducing myself the exact same way. "Hello, my name is Shauna and I am a Kilgore College nursing student.  I'll be working with *insert preceptor name here* and will be assisting them in your care today." 

Sounds like a great introduction, except for I am no longer a student.  So on your way to your first day, practice saying nurse/graduated nurse outloud because after saying student for so long, nurse actually sounded awkward coming out of my mouth. 

2-If you are a female, invest in high quality makeup. This 5 dollar eyeliner isn't gonna make the cut! Nothing looks or feels worse than walking into the bathroom after 6 hours and realizing your eye makeup is a full inch under your bottom eyelid. 

3-Do NOT forget to put on deodorant. 

4-They *your instructors and nursing friends* did not lie.  You will hardly find time for a break.  Up the stairs, down the stairs, up the hall, down the hall, sit down, stand up, Dr. sits down at your work station, move all your stuff, go to lab, etc.  Refer to #2-your foundation will sweat off. Refer to #3-You may end up with sweaty armpits. 

5-Even if you are not confident, act so when you're with your patient.  Your preceptor will help if you need it *and not make it look obvious* and your patient will never know the difference. Everyone feels good about the learning experience in the end. 

6-If you have any doubt about losing the weight you gained in nursing school, refer to #4 and fear no more.  Just make sure to pack a healthy lunch because a lot of people you work with will order out or go to the cafeteria. I'm bringing my pedometer tomorrow because I'm quite certain I burned WAYYY more calories than I consumed! 

7-RELAX!! Seriously, no one expects you to know it all. Ask questions, even if you think they're stupid. 

8-Apparently, I'm a mouth breather when I'm stressed/anxious. Do everyone a favor...bring a breath mint. 

9-Have fun and take it all in.  We worked really hard to get to this point....so enjoy the moment. We only get one first day on the floor as a graduated nurse, and it felt pretty darn good to me!