Starting a new job involves a profound mix of emotions — excitement, joy, a sense of pride and fulfillment, and even a dose of anxiety and fear.
New job jitters, or a feeling of being nervous, anxious, and overwhelmed about working a new job, affect many employees. In fact, in one poll, 87% of respondents state that they have new job jitters, while 53% of employees who are starting a new job say that it’s scarier than “a trip to the dentist, holding a spider or snake, and skydiving.”
It’s important for new employees to be able to adapt to and smoothly integrate into their new work environments. This is especially true for healthcare professionals such as nurses who need to provide excellent patient care at time zero.
We list important tips on how nurses can easily adapt to new work environments, new teammates, and new assignments.
- Do your research and come prepared.
It’s vital for nurses to know what they’ll be facing — they need to know details about their new workplace, its culture, and the team’s dynamics. Is the team composed of friendly and focused individuals? What does the team value most? How fast-paced is the work environment? Typically, when applying for a new job, applicants can ask their prospective employers important questions so they’d have a better understanding of their new workplace and what to expect working there.
However, not all applicants get a chance to ask workplace- and work culture-related questions. When this happens, they can reach out to the HR and recruitment team to get a better idea of what’s in store for them at their new facility.
Healthcare professionals working with home care agencies typically get insider information on the facilities they’ll be assigned to that they can use to their advantage when it comes to prepping before their first day (more on this in the succeeding item). In the case of Oculus Health Staffing, employees get detailed information about their assignments from their dedicated operations managers who provide personalized end-to-end support and assistance.
- Create and practice your new routine as early as possible.
Preparing for your new job can help assuage any fears or anxieties that can hinder you from adapting well to your new work environment. Before your first day on the job, consider creating a routine that can help you get a better handle on your new work:
- Drive, walk, or commute to your new workplace or facility. This will help you discover alternate routes, possible public transportation options, and schedules, and determine traffic levels before your first day of work. If your facility is near where you live, check if you can consider walking or biking to work.
- Check out nearby delis, restaurants, and parks. It’s important to feel comfortable around your new surroundings. Familiarizing yourself with nearby establishments can help you plan out your breaks and help you feel at ease.
- Shift your sleep schedule to match your shift. Working as a nurse, you’ll be assigned to work various shifts. Whatever that shift may be, it’s vital for you to adjust your sleep time a week or two in advance so that you’ll be in tip-top condition on your first day at work.
- Communicate openly and be observant.
Establishing open communication with both your colleagues and superiors is important for a smooth transition into a new workplace. Communicating with your teammates will allow you to better understand your role and responsibilities, which can effectively temper down new job jitters and set yourself up for a smooth transition and workplace success. Don’t forget to ask questions or clarifications when there is any information that may be unclear and ask for help when you need it.
It’s also crucial to observe the work environment, your team’s workflows, and how your teammates collaborate and communicate with one another. Understanding that each workplace has its own unique processes, methods, and dynamics is important because it will help you be receptive and respectful and adapt to your new work quickly.
