New Nurse?: How to Get, Keep and LOVE Your First Nursing Job!

Let me first say that I suffer from ADD (attention deficit disorder) and it only interferes when studying or reading. Also, I am not the type of person who likes to read books on my spare time. I only read if I have to; school, research etc. I am a new graduate and recently got my RN license. Of course my nerves kicked in and I was searching for a book to help me keep calm and give pointers as a new nurse. The minute it came in I read half the book in about one hour..SHOCKING! She got straight to the point and it felt as if she was talking to me. She goes over so many topics, from interviews, to giving report, reading labs, approaching Drs, dealing with complaints, deaths and so-forth. What kept my interest is that she gives you plenty of examples, stories and even tells you her mistakes that she made. As a new nurse, we all feel like we don't know crap. I was even questioning myself, wondering if I had chose the right career. By the time I was done with this book, I learned that all of my fears are the exact same fears that every new nurse has. Even she had those same fears and she talks about them as well. She gave me confidence and with the tips that she gives you, I can honestly say that I might even impress my preceptor on my first day. This book is a MUST HAVE! I can't say how much she has help me and eased my nerves! You have to just find out for yourself! Oh, she also leaves her email, for you to contact if you have any questions. I sent her one but was'nt expecting a reply until a few months later....wrong! She replied with in a few days. She also has a great YouTube channel: EmpoweRN :)

I loved watching empoweRN on Youtube. Caroline's videos truly help nursing students with topics that they are curious on or maybe too scared to ask. I did not read her first book because I received my BSN from an accelerated nursing program and I knew a lot already on how to be a successful student and what I was getting myself into. This book is great because it discusses Caroline's recollections of applying for 100's of jobs, getting the hang of how to successfully interview, and advice on what to do once you get a job. She discusses her mistakes and how she learned from them, always asking for help, and how to establish a solid work routine. Now that I have successfully interviewed and received and accepted a job offer, I will DEFINITELY be referring back to this book in times of need, which as a new graduate will be often. I can't say enough good things about Caroline. She is very warm and friendly, ALWAYS willing to help, and she is very quick to respond to her e-mails. She personally gave me advice while I was struggling to decide between two job offers and the advice she gave was solid! I highly recommend this book, especially for those new grads like me who have are just starting their careers and this is their first grown up job.

Bought his few months ago. I was hired as a nurse in April 2016. At first I thought really? But then she does good tios on few things here and there; like the pockets things. It seemed like nothing at all at first but i did it ever since i read that chapter and it does help a lot. As you go through the book though, you have the feeling that it is not enough. Don't get me wrong, she brings up subjects that will make sense to many but when you start as a new nurse on the floor you need a bit more profound advices, at least I did. 4 stars because she took the time to write it and it helps some so it is not a waste of time or money reading it. You can email her too which I thought was really nice too...Overall ok.

This book was amazing! I have a Word Doc of quotes from this book to look back on as i start my nursing career. Here are some: • It takes roughly $40,000 to train a new graduate, this is why most facilities have 2 year contracts. • You must look at each interview as if you’re asking them to give you $40,000. Need to make an impression. • Before paging a doctor, ask yourself, “What else would the doctor need to know? Assume the Dr. doesn’t know anything about your pt. Write down the admitting Diagnosis, any meds given that could have affected vitals, Is the pt on fluids? Does the pt have any important medical hx? And before paging, go into your pts room and ask them “I am going to call your physician, while I'm on the phone with them, is there anything else you need? Also look at your patients labs, are they low in K+? You could ask the Dr. to give a standing order for K+ while you’re at it. The pt may also state they need a stool softener, or a nicotine patch? you would never call the doctor just for that, but while you have the doctor on the phone, its a good idea to ask if they need anything else • I'm going to list the supplies I bring with me on a regular basis: Left Shirt Pocket: 1. Alcohol Swabs, 2. Sticky notepad. 3. Flushes. 4. Wrapped 18 gauge blunt needle (2-3). 5. Filtered needles (2-3). 6. Empty 3 mL syringe (1-2). Telemetry Leads (1-2) (these things always come off). On the outside: Have a hair clip (When ur hair absolutely needs to get out of the way). Right Shirt Pocket: 1. Scissors. 2. Highlighter. 3. Black dry erase marker. 4. Red dry erase marker. 5. Black sharpie. 6. 2 pens. 7. Transparent tape (to secure IV lines). 8. Pen light. 9. Telemetry calipers. In my pants pocket: pulse oximeter (for when pts say they can't breathe and u can check and tell them their 02 sat is 99%) and temporal thermometer.

I am an RN, I just started working on the floor. During general orientation, I recognized many of the things that Caroline talks about in her book. I have found her information and insight to be invaluable. This book not only gives you a great stepping stones but provides some MUCH NEEDED POSITIVE ENERGY AND THOUGHTS. There is a lot insight in this book that not only speaks of the caring nature of Caroline, but how you too can develop a caring attitude. Nursing is a privilege and she really brings this message home. Thank you

I was looking for a book to help mentally prepare me for my first job - and this was a good find! Some of the topics are “common sense,” ie we touched on some of them in nursing school or heard about them from nurses during clinicals. However, reading about these topics from someone who is very positive and motivated, and also reading them with the perspective of actually starting work made them really sink in. I recommend it because I think even if you already “know” this stuff, it just reinforces how important having a routine, staying positive, and focusing on why you became a nurse can be.

This is Christina and I am a new graduate RN about to start an internship at a hospital soon. In preparation for this internship, I am reading this book written by Caroline and honestly, it is just so beyond helpful, inspiring, educational, and motivational. Caroline is awesome and just reading her book and watching her videos on youtube...make me hopeful to become a successful nurse like she is one day. Reading this book makes me wish she was my instructor through nursing school because I am already learning so, so much from her. GREAT BOOK for NEW NURSES! Worth every penny. Highly recommended.

Frankly, a little surprised at the overwhelmingly excellent reviews of this book. As a new grad (second career RN/BSN) I found this book somewhat interesting to the extent that it is an experience of another new nurse, but I thought it was superficial and not very well written. The title gives false expectations because this is not a "how to" book by any stretch of imagination. The job search section is basic, skimpy and might only be useful if you have never ever looked for a job in your life. And, in general, I felt that the book lacked depth. To be fair, I will talk about what I liked. Advice on some typical on the job situations, such as high nurse-patient ratios, communication with physicians etc. was helpful. And the best part of the book for me was the last chapter about how to keep perspective and remember why you chose nursing in the first place. That one chapter made the book worth the read for me. I've done a lot of research on similar books and the ones I've read and found very helpful were: 1. On job search: "You're hired! A nursed guide to success in today's job market" by Brenda Brozek http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1450738451/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 2. On being a new nurse: "Becoming nursey" by Kati Kleber http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1483542432/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

my wife seemed to like the book. though its apparently very harsh and is making school out to be a crucible of unbeatable soul crushing work. considering she is on her second university degree and knows what she is getting into this seems unlikely.