How to Get Over First Day Jitters

As a travel nurse starting a new contract every few months, I find myself getting nervous despite years of traveling. However, it's very important to combat first day nervousness or jitters so you don't come across as someone lacking confidence and experience. Don't let the doubts seep in and rob you of the joy of first day experience! In these instances, even though you're new, you can still command the day and ask the appropriate questions to relieve your anxieties. What may be causing your anxieties could be the unknown factors such as will my coworkers like me? will the work be too challenging?

At the root of these jitters is of course the desire to Succeed, Impress and Meet work expectations.

Even though you're new, you can still Command the Day by asking the right questions to relieve your anxieties....

The WHAT IF Questions can lead you into spiraling thoughts that could make first days go from simple jitters to a nightmare. In this case it is advised to seek professional help if these thoughts persists.

"Feeling nervous before embarking on a new travel nurse assignment? Theraex Staffing Services shares pointers; "Take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone in experiencing these pre-assignment jitters. These feelings are something most travel nurses can relate to. In fact, a significant number of workers are currently exploring fresh job opportunities, and a recent Monster Poll found that a whopping 96% of them are grappling with these “new job jitters.”Overcoming First Day Jitters As A Travel Nurse (Full Article Link)

Dictionary

Definitions from Oxford Languages · Learn more

plural noun: jitters

jit·ter

/?ji/?jid?r/

noun [ plural ]? informal

US/?d??t?.?z/ UK

/?d??t.?z/

a feeling of nervousness that you experience before something important happens:

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF FIRST DAY JITTERS

First day jitters can manifest in various ways, including:

• Feeling nervous or anxious
• Having a sense of anticipation or excitement
• Experiencing stomach butterflies
• Difficulty sleeping the night before
• Being overly concerned about making a good impression

These feelings are quite common and usually subside as one becomes more familiar with the new environment.

(Reference: Copilot by AI)

WHAT NOT TO DO ON THE FIRST DAY

In this poster, there are good pointers of what to do and not to do. most important, don't try to hard! It's only the first day!!

WHAT HELPS RELIEVE FIRST DAY ANXIETIES

• Humor: First day at work usually presents with a lot of icebreaker moments, they help with the anxieties. I just started a new contract and I found humor when one of the travelers who shared her experience on how she drove from Florida to Maryland and asked on fun and interesting things she can do in the area. Her energy calm me a little as I found her to be a friendly person with a great energy. As we met other contractors or travelers on this first day, we realize a lot of us had the same concerns and anxieties. We were able to laugh at the unrealistic concerns. Later during the orientation we could see that even the Instructor was having first day stress as little glitches were going wrong; we were having technical difficulties resetting our computer passwords.
• Example; the Orientation educator asked one of the new employees to demonstrate how to tie a restraint on a patient. The new employee responded, "but we just met!!" the whole room laughed and just like that the jitters went away for everyone.??
• The Instructor was able to allow humor to get us through first day hiccups. What ice-breaker examples can you share in comment section that helps relieve first day jitters? What are common ice breaker exercises on a new job?

• Arrive Early; this is important, because you never know what problems you can encounter like parking space, or possibly getting lost. It has been recommended to take a tour of your workplace the day before to be familiar prior to start date.
• Be Prepared; Come well dressed, presentable with a friendly smile. In my case as a nurse, I also come prepared with my supplies or in some professions bring your toolbox; like a stethoscope, clipboards, reference manuals, pens, pencils, report sheets etc...proper uniform, shoes, A folder with copy of CPR card, proper identification, all the hospital information. Being over prepared initially does not hurt. Basically I know I'm not only prepared for first day, I'm prepared everyday! So why let jitters take the best of you on the first day. For example, I've seen travelers come in to work with a carry-on suitcase with a lunch bag etcetera to get through the long shift. The more prepared you are the less jitters you should have on the first day.
• Usually first days is light and an Orientation, Welcome day. Be prepared to take some notes. Most importantly on first day come with a winning attitude, open mind, friendly and ready to meet people.

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• Find the Positives: If you're anxious it helps to find something or someone to calm your nerves; this could be music, a trivia game, or simply talking to someone who has positive calming energy and affirmations. Also some hospitals have café, serene rooms, a quiet place where you can relax and decompress. Some hospitals or employer understands the nervousness of being at a new job and provide as much information possible or point you to the "Go To" person for info at the hospital and area. Welcome in and take advantage of what new friendships, new colleagues can bring on the first days. Know that you're not alone and that most new employees experience first day jitters.
• Embrace the Moment: It's being mindful and living in the present moment. It's really meant to be a celebratory moment. More like "Woohoo, I made it here! I deserve this Welcome!????
• In being in many hospitals in the country, my best first days have been in organizations that strive to make your first day a perfect day. Keep in mind that there are a lot of hospitals and organizations that strive to give you a 5 Star Experience. As an employee, you will pick up very quickly which companies invest heavily in their employees success from day one. They are the companies that roll out the red carpet with free continental and sometimes hot breakfast and lunch. I've been in many orientations where I felt like a Superstar ??. (I've also been with several agencies that made me feel welcome with gifts and checking ins. My current agency, PRN Healthcare gifted me with gift cards. Medical Solutions gifted me with a foot massager

• I embrace the moment by sometimes taking pictures, taking selfies to share on my blogs, touring the hospitals, checking out the café, cafeteria, and sometimes gift shops. I've learned to take that all in as I embark on a new adventure assignment.

• Affirmations . "Come Up With A Mantra", for your first day. This idea was suggested in the article on the Ventura MedStaff website, How To Beat First Day Jitters As A Travel Nurse by Ventura MedStaff

"It’s easy to let?imposter syndrome?take over when you start at a new job—but it’s important to remember that you got hired for a reason.

You are Skilled, you are Competent, and You are going to Rock this!

"You’ve?embarked on the traveler journey?for a reason, and while it is okay to be nervous, try and remember your “Why” when this happens. It can help to come up with an affirmational phrase you can say every time you start to question your choice or feel like a fish out of water."

Things like, “I am enough,” or “I adapt well to change,” can help you to center yourself and regain your confidence.

(In this video, Nurse Lacey Magen empowers nurses with statements of affirmations, and ideas for visualizations). During first day orientation or work, if mingling does not help, you may need to step outside during the break period or lunch to do calming exercises. Do whatever it takes to get you back in the moment.

Note: Be patient on first days at work as sometimes there are glitches and an expectations that something may go wrong especially with technology. In the hospital setting, there's always this 50% chance that you may not not get access immediately. Badge or computer passwords might not work initially. But guess what most things are a phone call away. In these circumstances IT Desk usually comes through and save the day.

I remember one hospital I was orienting at and to my surprise HR did not have my name on the list, I didn't have a welcome folder, and a preceptor was not assigned to me. I did not panic, but waited patiently as HR resolved the problem. Sometimes you'll go to these orientations and your name is misspelled or you get lost despite the fact you woke up two hours early and was hoping for a perfect first day. Take everything in stride. Sometimes you might have to be proactive on your first day. Can you share mishaps, bloopers that happened on first day at your new job?

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Positive Affirmations That Works

American Traveler shares in an article, June 02, 2023 by American Traveler Staff ?- congratulates our recent hires on landing a travel nursing job in a new location! So many of our travelers have testified as to how fulfilling and exciting a new assignment can be — and yet those first few days on the job often result in butterflies. After all, you have serious work ahead, procedures to learn, colleagues to get to know -- it can seem like a lot! But fear not:?you got this, and we've got you.

"Travel Nurses Cure for First Day Jitters" by American Traveler

Calm yourself with the following traveler tips and positive affirmations

Tip: It almost sounds too simple, but keep smiling

A pleasant demeanor shows you welcome change; plus your new colleagues are all the more likely to offer their help.

Why this tip works: With new procedures to learn and equipment to master, you’ll want to make friends along the way. Your fellow RN’s are the ones to brief you on everything from patients and supervisors, to helping you remember where you parked your car.

?Affirmation: This hospital chose me.        

Why this positive affirmation works: Because American Traveler staffs in America’s best hospitals, competition was fierce when you interviewed and got the job; they knew you’d be a great fit with current staff, and quite capable of negotiating the learning curve that comes with any new travel nurse job.

Tip: If you haven't already, get the answers to some of the questions travelers are most likely to ask.

Why this tip works: Knowing the basics of travel will make you more secure in your daily routine. No doubt, more questions will arise as your assignment progresses, but that's why your recruiter is just a call or text away.

Affirmation: I enjoy sharing my interests and hobbies with others.        

Why this positive affirmation works: It’s always a good idea to share your pastimes with colleagues, because with any luck, a few locals are listening—and they know where the best of everything is. Case in point: one of our American Travelers loved trying the local chili wherever he went, shared his love of taste testing with co-workers and enjoyed the camaraderie when they showed him where to get his next bowl-full.??

MORE RESOURCES TO ACE YOUR FIRST DAY

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35 Tips for Overcoming New Job Anxiety (choosingtherapy.com)

Take a deep breath and enjoy the moment!

"Remember: orientation is the best time to ask questions and get clarification on procedures. After all, no one knows absolutely everything on the first day. We wish good luck to all past, present, and future travelers!"

In Conclusion

I hope this article and resources were helpful in tackling first day jitters and anxieties. Hopefully once you meet other employees and find all the cool things about your new job, you will feel welcomed and ready to start this new journey! These tips are for any professionals not just for travel nurses. They can help new graduates as well as the seasoned workers. I challenge you in these situations to think ahead of not the worse but the best case scenarios. Trust the Process, Embrace Everything that Comes on First Days and Celebrate This New Beginning!!

By Gina DesRosiers, RN, BSN, CMSRN, Travel Nurse with PRN Healthcare. On assignment on Observation, Medical-Surgical Unit at a University Maryland hospital. For referrals, contact Recruiter Abby Kalster, [email protected] for all your traveling needs in all 50 States. 1-888-830-8811