"Back arrow" by Eva the Weaver via Flickr

If you’ve been in your role for a while now, you may or may not remember what it is like to be the newbie. Where are the restrooms? Do I need to dial a number to get an outside telephone line? What do those bazillion acronyms mean? Who is that person? What’s the process for the break room kitchen…Should I load the dishwasher now? How does that program work with this one?

So many questions. Yeah, I’m right there. I’ve jumped into the middle of people’s work, and I am trying to figure it out. Of course, I have great teachers all around me showing me exactly what I need to know, which is a lot; it reaffirms I am a novice. Again. Well, almost. I have clinical oncology knowledge and experience, and I have business/management knowledge and experience. I just need to mesh them together again in a new environment full of new people and processes and, oh yes, many new acronyms. Because we do love our acronyms in health care.

Surprisingly, I am actually quite comfortable with my “novice” role right now. Maybe that’s because I am confident in my current knowledge and experience? I am honestly enjoying the journey. I know much of my confidence currently is largely due to the system I am within and the leaders around me, encouraging me to be patient with myself and give myself time to learn the role. How awesome is that to hear? Very!

As with everything, my role will change with time, and I will become more competent. Even though the real work begins very soon, I know I won’t feel really comfortable with the position, duties, and information for at least six to twelve months. That’s okay. Again.