Nursing school is terrifying, to say the least. Now, without warning, you are going to be dropped on a unit and told to go introduce yourself to your patient. You do not know how to do this! Actually, you do. You, my friend, got yourself into nursing school, which means you have enough common sense to plaster that "I'm confident" mask on your face, and walk into that room like you have done this a million times.

Here are the important things to keep in mind on that first day.

1. Your instructors have been in your shoes.

Your instructor was once a nursing student. At one point in her life, someone did the exact same thing to her, so she understands how you feel. Yes, this is scary and exciting and everything in between, but you will do fine! Ask questions if you need to.

2. You are not expected to know everything.

You currently do not have any letters behind your name, you have not passed NCLEX, nor have you even taken your first test! You might feel like you are expected to know everything, but this is just your instructor's way of challenging you and helping you learn. You are a student, you are there to learn. Even as a nurse you will never know everything there is to know.

3. Carry your resources with you.

It is perfectly acceptable to carry your drug book, normal lab values, and head-to-toe assessment cheat sheet with you all day. This way you can look up your patient's medications and normal values quickly. It is important to get into the habit of knowing the why behind medications and procedures, as well as, your patient's changing lab values. Even if you do not completely understand how an irregular lab value is truly going to affect your patient now, this will enhance your learning experience. Everything you do is an opportunity for learning that will make you a better nurse down the road.

4. Eat a good breakfast and pack a sturdy lunch.

Food is always an important part of the day. You may be getting up earlier than you are used to, but you should still eat something for breakfast. You do not know when you will be able to eat again. A patient could code, go into labor, have some other sort of emergency and your instructor is going to want to give you the learning opportunity even though it is your lunch break. It is also a good idea to keep a snack bar in your scrub pocket, just in case. You will want to take every opportunity, without having to worry about your stomach growling.

While we are on the topic of food, remember to be conscious of your breath. Not everyone likes coffee or onions. If you plan to drink or eat something that may make your breath "stand out," take some mints or gum with you. DO NOT chew the gum on the unit, though.

5. Yes, you can wake your patient up.

If your instructor just told you to go into a patient's room and get them ready for the day or take their vital signs, you might have to wake them up. Remember, they are in the hospital so we can help them to get well and get home. If they need to be up for some reason, go ahead and wake them gently. Do not turn on the spotlight, but maybe use the dim light behind the bed. You probably would not want to be blinded first thing in the morning either.

6. Talk to your patient.

When you go into the room, knock, introduce yourself, wash your hands, and explain why you are there. Once you do that, start a conversation. Hospitals are boring, so interact with your patient. Ask them how their day was yesterday and what they did, about their family, how did they sleep, would they like help ordering breakfast, what are their goals for today? All of these questions let the patient know you care, and they give you more information to add to your assessment.

7. Do not show others how nervous you are.

When your patient asks if this is your first time doing a procedure, do not tell them "yes." I am not suggesting that you lie to your patient, but you could redirect the comment and lighten the mood. If you show other's how nervous you are, then it is just going to make them that nervous. Act confident. Ask questions if you need to, but sometimes it is better the ask your questions outside of the room instead of in front of the patient. Think ahead and go over any uncertainties with your professor before you are at the bedside.

8. Work with your classmates.

Giving your first bed bath or turning your patient for the first time can be difficult. Check on your friends throughout the day and ask them to help you if you need more hands. Safety is always the priority (especially when answering an NCLEX question!). As long as both you and your friend complete all the tasks for your patients, it is perfectly fine to work together.

9. Take every opportunity and never look bored.

You have so much to learn and experience when you are in the hospital. Ask the CNAs, nurses, and hospital staff what you can do to help. Take out the trash in your patient's room, make someone else's bed, or go look up your patient's medications to learn how they work together. If you need ideas, I am sure your instructor has plenty. You want to be a team player and help out everyone on the unit, one day you will be the one who needs a little extra help.

10. Don't forget why you went to nursing school.

Your patient may have some characteristic that you find displeasing. You may not appreciate the smell that comes from your patient's room or the number of times you have to change a dressing. Do not forget that your patient is someone's family member though. You would not want someone to talk bad about your family member or avoid their room, do not do it to your patients. Other staff may gossip, do not take part in it. Your job is to help people feel better, get better, and get home. Your patient did not choose this situation, make their day better, not worse.

11. Pack your bag.

You are also going to want to make sure you are not only mentally prepared but that you have all the required materials. Your instructor should provide you with agreements, contracts, schedules and a ton of other paperwork. Anything that your teacher emails or uploads before the first day, print it out and take it with you. You also want to make sure you have a few pens, Sharpies and notepaper. Some folks like to carry a clipboard, I prefer to fold my papers and keep them in my pocket. You will also want any required medical equipment. If you were asked to buy a blood pressure cuff, bring it! I normally take my watch, name tag, two penlights, stethoscope, BP cuff, and a water bottle. The tricky part is that you will not be given a locker. Try to pack in one bag that fits your materials, snacks, lunch and car keys.

There is so much to learn. Have fun and ask questions! The first day is the most nerve-racking. You will get the hang of it and be a great nurse soon enough. Good luck!