people? How will you introduce yourself and get to know the other professionals you’ll be working with? If this worries you a little, you’re in good company. Pretty much everyone worries about making the right impression with new colleagues, even if this isn’t the first job post-training. For those who consider themselves to be introverts, the worries can intensify, leading to some sleepless nights while thinking about how to start on the right foot. Introvert or extrovert, you’ll sleep better if you have a strategy for the first few weeks in your new position. The following tips will give you something to consider as you get ready.
A week or two in advance
Start Right in Your Next Job— Introducing Yourself to Your New Co-workers Is there anything more exciting—and awkward— than the first day on a new job? The exciting part is easy to understand, especially for residents and fellows moving into their first non-training positions. Years of school and specialized education have paid off, and the new career is finally launching. This is not only exciting, it’s momentous. But yes, also awkward, for all the obvious reasons. Who do you report to, and where? Is there a locker for your gear? How about the restrooms and the cafeteria? And…uh-oh…what was that colleague’s name? Can’t…quite…see the name badge… With luck, and a good HR person, a lot of these questions will be handled in an onboarding process; if not, there’s likely to be a friendly co-worker to give you a tour and clue you in on the basics. So that covers the logistics of the new job, but what about the
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Talk with your physician recruiter. With so much focus on the hiring process, basic logistical information can get lost. Now’s a good time to email your questions or schedule a call with someone in the human resources department who can explain such things as where to park, who to check in with, what paperwork will still be needed, etc. Ask for an organization chart. When you connect with your physician recruiter, ask for an org chart or a staff directory, or any other resource to help you get familiar with names and faces. If none exist, you might be able to find similar information on the web site, in the form of staff bios.
Your first day on the job Arrive a little early. Not only will you be more relaxed by not having to rush, but you’ll also have more time for brief chats as you meet people. Wear your name badge. Assuming you’re assigned a badge of some sort, try to wear it in plain sight to help others see and learn your name. Talk to the front desk staff. As much as the direct care providers, the people at the front desk are your new colleagues. They’re also the ones who make life easier for you as a new employee. Commit to learning their names and to greeting each person every day—you’ll be amazed at how much better your work life will be when others feel respected by you. Don’t assume people know you’re new. With so many places using locums physicians and traveling nurses, there are a lot of new faces on the floor. Just because someone doesn’t recognize you doesn’t mean they’ll realize you’re new. Get in
