The best way to settle down and enjoy donning the new robe is to develop an attitude of humility. Always anticipate that things with which you were never familiar will crop up unexpectedly. When you begin your work with patients, you think about the worst scenario so that you are mentally prepared to handle the situation. That preparation becomes reassuring for you and you can go ahead with confidence.
The unusual shift
Another factor that may disturb you is the shift from the usual office job to 12-hour shifts where you are to be virtually on your feet. Such work is physically, mentally and emotionally demanding. You have to learn how to rejuvenate your sagging spirit with rest and yoga.
Another source of uneasiness for the second-career nurses is realization of their position in the hierarchy. They may have a feeling of being at the lower rung. It is something like beginning from the bottom again. You may don't mind forgoing certain benefits if you can inculcate in yourself a sense of satisfaction while serving the sick and the needy.
Another annoying experience may be the enormous paper work you have to handle. If you might have had such a burden in your previous job, it may not be difficult now for you to cope with it. If you have not had such an experience, have patience, get into the routine and you will like it after some time. Always be organized so that you don't feel the pressure.
Transition pains
Use the transition pains to your advantage. High expectations lead to excessive pain. Use your extra time to understand the psyche of your patients so that you can be of more help to them. Have frequent discussions with doctors about the diseases that are not familiar to you. Doing so, you will learn many lessons, besides knowing why patients have to land in hospitals.
If you can, have a dream of walking into the wide world and serving the humanity. You would realize it is worth giving up an office window, after all.
