My first day as an RNLD Nurse

Newly qualified RNLD Nurse Lauren Young describes her thoughts and feelings during her first day in her new job.

Lauren Young - our community contributor on learning disability nursing

I have finally started my new job!

As you may know, I am now working in a care home as a Learning Disability Nurse.

My very first day was spent on the unit, shadowing a nurse. This let me get straight back into it, although thankfully I worked a nine to five rather than the usual twelve hour shift!

Although I'm now qualified, I was so over-whelmed. Not only the new place, and all of the many new people (residents as well as staff), but the fact I was now a nurse had finally hit me.

I was still tempted to introduce myself as a student. Hearing myself say I was the new nurse felt very strange. I started to qualify it by emphasising I wasn’t only the new nurse, but I was also newly qualified. Double new!

This started to fade by the third day or so, where I introduced myself as "the new nurse".

I also must remember when writing any notes to write RNLD, rather than Student.

It is a big transition!

Thankfully, despite being overwhelmed, everyone working there is very friendly and has welcomed me in.

When you first start, remember as well as the nurses and other staff, to really appreciate the support workers, who know the residents and can help you out. I worked with them for some of the shift so I could get to know them and the residents.

Personally, I am terrible with names so I tried not to pressurise myself to remember everyone. I usually concentrate on learning the names of residents first. Now, on my fourth day, I find this is coming more naturally.

The deputy manager made time for me, too. She has gone through my induction programme, which really set my mind at ease.

I did tend to think I needed to know everything, whilst simultaneously knowing I was not expected to. As the days go by, I was told I will gradually start joining in on tasks; today I wrote some notes!I am really enjoying it so far.

As long as I remember to always work within my competencies, use evidence based practice, and really use the skills and knowledge I gained on my course and from other staff members, hopefully I will become the best nurse I can be.

My Diary As An RNLD Nurse: Part 1

My Diary As An RNLD Nurse: Part 2

How I Found A Job As An RNLD Nurse