Career Corner
The First Day
How to prepare to start your new nursing job
Congratulations! You received a job offer and passed the background check. Now it’s time to get ready to step into your new role. Here’s what to expect as you settle in, get oriented, and begin finding your footing.
Before You Start
◗ Ask about training and orientation dates. Most hospitals require a full day of general orientation and several more days of clinical orientations.
◗ Make a list of any dates you will not be available because of weddings, prepaid vacation trips, or other commitments you can’t change. The hiring manager will have to preapprove those dates. If you’ll be part of a new grad training program in an area like L&D or ICU, you might need to wait for a later cohort if prior commitments mean you won’t be available for every day of training.
◗ Work out your availability with your current employer, if you’re keeping another job in addition to the new one. I’ve found this to be a real challenge for per diem nurses who are also working fulltime.
Preparing for General Orientation
Your first day will likely be a full-day general orientation, where you’ll meet some of the staff (such as the CNO and VP of HR); review policies and procedures; get a benefits overview; complete required safety training; and sign lots of documents.
Here are some tips to help you get ready:
◗ Carefully read all orientation instructions — this can make or break your first day. Don’t hesitate to contact your recruiter if you need clarification.
◗ Be prepared to focus. Make sure that any other responsibilities are taken care of ahead of time. Also, if anyone needs to know where you’ll be, like your parole officer, notify them in advance! (You laugh, but we once had a new hire show up for orientation wearing an ankle monitor. It started flashing, she told me she had to leave, and we never saw her again.)
◗ Review the parking instructions for your first day.
◗ Drive the route to the new job beforehand, so you’ll know how long it will take to get there. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early.
◗ Ask about the dress code. Some hospitals prefer business casual for orientation, even if their nurses normally wear scrubs.
◗ Check ahead of time if lunch will be provided, or if you can bring your own.
◗ Obtain and sign all required documents. I’ve had new hires who couldn’t attend orientation because of missing paperwork.
◗ Ask about passwords and email logins. Some organizations will let you set up your logins ahead of time.
What to Bring to General Orientation
◗ ID and employment authorization. Typically, an organization won’t let you begin work until HR has verified your photo ID, Social Security card or passport, and work authorization paperwork.
◗ Your RN license, CPR cards, and any additional certifications. You might have already uploaded these with your application, but HR may need to view them in person.
◗ Proof of your degree, such as your diploma or transcripts. Although your education is usually verified as part of your background check, some organizations want original documents for your HR file.
◗ Your phone, fully charged. If you’re bringing electronic documents, make sure you can still access them even if you don’t have a good Internet connection.
◗ A notebook or folder. New hires receive a ton of information during general orientation, and you’ll need somewhere to put it.
Tips for Your First Day
◗ Sign in when you arrive.
◗ Check your badge, and make sure everything on it is correct. Also, review the hospital codes on the back. I remember a time when the building had to be evacuated during new hire orientation because of a “Code Orange” (hazardous materials release).
◗ Make sure you turn in all required documents. Some new hires inadvertantly leave with forms still stuffed in their notebooks.
◗ Get copies of anything you sign, or take a photo with your phone.
◗ If you’re excused for lunch, plan to be back early. I highly recommend NOT going out for lunch — you could end up late for the afternoon session.
◗ Be courteous and friendly. Get to know the people around you, including staff members who aren’t nurses.
After Day One
After general orientation, make sure you have the schedule for your clinical orientations and any required exams or tests. You should also connect with your manager or supervisor about your post-orientation schedule.
Orientation can be overwhelming, but being prepared helps. This is the time to meet new people, form friendships, and take another step in your nursing career.
LEVELL ROMEYN has 28 years’ experience as a nurse recruiter at various Southern California hospitals.
In this Article: Career Advice, Job Search Advice
