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Maurisa
Student
Temecula, California
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Is there anything you wish you knew before taking your first LVN/LPN job that would've made your first year smoother? #Spring25
I start my LVN program next month, honestly I'm feeling really excited and anxious about what's ahead. So I would love to hear from others experience- especially anything you wish someone told you before stepping into your first role/ job as an nurse.
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Dr H
Dr. H's Research
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Australia
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Dr’s Answer
Hi Maurisa, you’re walking into something truly life-changing. LVN/LPN work is hands-on, intense, and deeply... lemme just say..human. Here’s what some who I worked and learned along told me that they actually wished someone had told them before the first nursing job.
1. You will feel unprepared and that’s normal. No matter how good your program is, your first few weeks will feel like being thrown into deep water. Don’t panic. Your real learning begins *on the job*.
2. You’re not expected to know everything. Ask the experienced nurses, but show you’ve tried to figure things out first. They respect effort more than perfection.
3. You’ll juggle meds, charts, patients, families, and emergencies. Learn to prioritize: who needs care now vs. what can wait 10 minutes. You'll get better at this with time. So, try to get your time management at hand.
4. Charting can make or break you. Document everything clearly and immediately when possible. If it’s not charted, it’s like it didn’t happen. Protect yourself legally and clinically.
5. Your mental health matters. You’ll see hard stuff, death, suffering, rude families, impossible shifts and disrespect. Don’t bottle it up. Journal. Talk. Cry if you need to. It’s human and you have to stay tall because these things come either you like it or not, just try to grow stronger with it. I wont say its easy but you have to start to care for yourself first before other.
6. Remember, You’ll make mistakes. So, Own them. Learn from them. And don't let it burn you. Be safe, but don’t beat yourself up. Even the best nurses make errors. It’s how you respond that defines you.
7. Be ready to advocate for your patients AND yourself. You may be the only one standing between a patient and a dangerous oversight. Speak up, even if your voice shakes. And never let anyone downplay your license or role. LVNs matter.
You’re not just entering nursing but you’re becoming someone’s lifeline. It won’t be easy. But it will be worth it Maurisa. All the best and feel free to reach out always, we are here for you.
Shadow a current LVN/LPN if you can before you start, even for a day or a couple hours can show you so much.
Start a small notebook or app to track what you learn daily during your clinicals
Practice your bedside talk — communication is a skill that builds trust fast.
Join LVN communities online (Reddit, Facebook groups, Nurse.org forums)
Find a mentor, even one kind RN or LVN at your first job can change everything.
1. You will feel unprepared and that’s normal. No matter how good your program is, your first few weeks will feel like being thrown into deep water. Don’t panic. Your real learning begins *on the job*.
2. You’re not expected to know everything. Ask the experienced nurses, but show you’ve tried to figure things out first. They respect effort more than perfection.
3. You’ll juggle meds, charts, patients, families, and emergencies. Learn to prioritize: who needs care now vs. what can wait 10 minutes. You'll get better at this with time. So, try to get your time management at hand.
4. Charting can make or break you. Document everything clearly and immediately when possible. If it’s not charted, it’s like it didn’t happen. Protect yourself legally and clinically.
5. Your mental health matters. You’ll see hard stuff, death, suffering, rude families, impossible shifts and disrespect. Don’t bottle it up. Journal. Talk. Cry if you need to. It’s human and you have to stay tall because these things come either you like it or not, just try to grow stronger with it. I wont say its easy but you have to start to care for yourself first before other.
6. Remember, You’ll make mistakes. So, Own them. Learn from them. And don't let it burn you. Be safe, but don’t beat yourself up. Even the best nurses make errors. It’s how you respond that defines you.
7. Be ready to advocate for your patients AND yourself. You may be the only one standing between a patient and a dangerous oversight. Speak up, even if your voice shakes. And never let anyone downplay your license or role. LVNs matter.
You’re not just entering nursing but you’re becoming someone’s lifeline. It won’t be easy. But it will be worth it Maurisa. All the best and feel free to reach out always, we are here for you.
Dr recommends the following next steps:
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this. I will definitely be implementing your recommendations. Thank you!!
Maurisa
You're very welcome, Maurisa! 😊 I'm so glad you found the info helpful, and I truly appreciate your kind words. Wishing you the best as you move forward, feel free to reach out anytime.
Dr H