As a first-time LPN who has just finished your orientation at your new facility, you’re most likely very excited — but also very anxious and nervous — about working on the floor for the first time. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Studies have shown that new nurses experience elevated stress and work anxiety during the first two months of employment.
To keep new job jitters at bay, we list helpful tips and tricks to equip new LPNs with the information they need to make working on their own for the first time as rewarding and less stressful as possible.
Work Tips for First-Time LPNs
Come to work early and establish a game plan for the day
As a newbie, you’d need more time to memorize processes and protocols. You’ll be able to take in more information when you’re not rushed, so it’s highly recommended that you come to work early for the first few weeks until you learn the ropes.
Being at work 30 minutes before your shift starts can help you get a better handle on the things you need to learn and do for the day. For example, coming in a few minutes to learn the medication administration records (MAR) and treatment administration records (TAR) can help you plan your day better.
It’s also a great idea to establish a routine that will allow you to create a game plan on how you’ll approach each day. Prioritize tasks based on how critical and time-sensitive they are. Each person will have a routine that works for them; feel free to solicit ideas from long-time nurses and aides about how they prioritize their tasks and see which tips will work best for you.
Get a good mentor and be a good teammate
New nurses need all the help, guidance, and support they can get, and having a good mentor can help them achieve all that and more. Not only will a good mentor help build your self-confidence and help you hone your problem-solving skills, but studies have shown that a good mentor can help you decide to stay in the nursing profession especially at the beginning of your career when things can get overwhelming, which ultimately affects the trajectory of your entire career.
Develop a good relationship with other healthcare professionals that you regularly work with, such as CNAs and PCTs, as they can give you much-needed advice, assistance, and support when things get challenging. Always be observant, respectful, and appreciative of their assistance.
Don’t be afraid to help them when they need an extra hand, too, and let them know which patients you can handle on your own and which ones you’d need help with. Even when things get busy, remember to take a few minutes to check in with your fellow nurses and co-workers to see how they’re doing and if they need help with anything.
Always remember: Kindness begets kindness.
Put your patients’ needs above everything else
Although there are many things on your to-learn and to-do lists, always remember that the number one task on those lists should be to care for your patients as best as you can.
As you pursue your nursing career, you’ll gain a better understanding of patient prioritization and risk analysis. Marymount University highlights some important considerations when prioritizing care, including understanding how a patient will be affected if a situation is not immediately attended to and determining which tasks can be completed quickly or delegated safely.
Give yourself grace
In the beginning, you’ll be a bit slow, you won’t be able to leave work on time, and you’ll make mistakes. These things are to be expected, and though it’s easier said than done, try to give yourself grace when things don’t go your way. Remember that when you’re learning complex things while simultaneously caring for people who need different levels of care, you’ll inevitably make mistakes and have shortcomings. But always have self-compassion as these errors can be seen as opportunities for learning and growth. With each passing day, you’re bound to improve your time management and patient care skills. You’ll learn to cluster tasks together, anticipate patient needs better, and be more efficient with your tasks. To be able to focus on your progress and your patients’ welfare, it’s important to forgive yourself when you make mistakes; don’t let yourself get bogged down by self-criticism and negative emotions.
