HOW TO RELAX YOUR FIRST DAY OF WORK
The first day of work is one often one of the most challenging. Everything is new and different. Information overload can be intense. However, a few basic tips can help you relax. Most of this information is obvious. Yet, sometimes it is good to be reminded of the basics. A few simple steps can make a big difference in how you experience your first day on the job.
Arrive a few days early
Try to arrive to your assignment a few days early. Take time to settle into your living quarters and to know the town. Drive around and get lost while you have time. Sometimes getting lost is the best way to find yourself.
Rest
Resting well and vegetating the day before your first day of work will help you absorb information better. You are going to be subjected to a great deal of new information in a short period of time. There is no better way to prepare your mind than to rest and be good to yourself.
Be on time
If at all possible, try to be on time your first day. Make sure to find the hospital and your department before your first day of work. Familiarize yourself with the route. Also, time yourself to see how long it takes you to get there and then add additional time in your estimate to account for unexpected traffic or construction.
Prepare
The first day of work, I always bring the following items:
2 Pens
Scissors
Pocket size notepad
Nursing License
Drivers License
Required certifications
Small coin purse
You will not only feel better having these items on hand, but you will appear more professional. Often, when you arrive, you will be asked for last minute copies of your certifications and licenses for their records. I recommend a small coin purse in case the hospital doesn’t have a locker for you yet. The notepad allows you to take important notes during orientation. Notes will come in handy when you are on your own. Finally, if you are asked to sign something or do paperwork on your first day….you won’t have to ask for a pen. You even have an extra pen in case someone forgot theirs. These items will help you approach the day with confidence for the unexpected. Won’t you look good if you are asked to help with a bandage, and you pull out your scissors and start working right away?
Be Optimistic
Remind yourself that you are experienced and will do fine once you have learned your way around. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Sometimes, attitude can make all the difference.
All these steps are designed to help you arrive in the right attitude to take on the day and be relaxed. No matter how many times you take assignments, these basic steps will still do you justice. Be good to yourself, traveling is not always easy. Sometimes you will do all these things and still feel tense on the first day. Can you imagine how tense you would feel if you didn’t do these things?