Do I need therapy????

[pugsweluv]

I am a new grad (May, 05) and I just finished orientation in L&D. The problem is I still feel so overwhelmed and for lack of a better word "heavy" when I get home. I usually have a good cry and feel some better. I feel so inadequate and like I don't know what I am doing. I want to know if any of this is normal and if so how long does it last??? How long before I feel competent?? Do I need therapy or some anti anxiety med?? Help, i feel like I am crazy! I was a good student and all my life wanted to be a labor nurse so this is soooo difficult for me. Any insight would be greatly appreciated! PugsRN

[Fun2, BSN, RN]

I'm sorry, pugsweluv.

I have read that does take a while. Because I'm not even in nursing school yet, I won't try to give you any advice.

I just wanted to wish you the best. I'm sure it will soon get better for you.

[Morning-glory]

It took me almost three years to actually feel like I knew what I was doing was right. And I had wanted to be a nurse from the time I was 3. This is definetly a role that you grow into. You will just need to keep asking questions until you are comfortable with yourself. Before asking someone a question, try and figure out what the answer might be and run it by someone you trust to double check it. That way you are demonstrating that you are actually trying to figure it out, not being too lazy to look it up.

Get yourself a pocket sized reference and keep it with you. Use it often. This will reinforce why you are doing things a certain way and you will remember it after a couple of times. You will also find yourself remembering the rational of why one way is better than another.

All the crying is a respose to stress. Find some way to counter balance the stress at work with a great life "on the outside". Do something you love. Volunteer with a group that has nothing to do with nursing or hospitals or patients.

Chin up, it will get better!

Jacquie

[pie123]

From what I understand, it takes a new nurse at least 1 year to feel comfortable. I have heard this from lots of nurses. I am about to begin orientation soon...next week. I sure hope that year goes by fast!!! Another 'seasoned' nurse told me to give the particular unit at least 6 months before making a decision to stay or leave (I know you didn't mention leaving, I just wanted to share pearls of wisdom that I have received). Good luck.

[pugsweluv]

Thanks for all the great advice! Where do I get a pocket reference and do you know any specific types for L&D???Thanks, Pugs

[palesarah]

Thanks for all the great advice! Where do I get a pocket reference and do you know any specific types for L&D???Thanks, Pugs

Labor & Delivery in My Pocket is a great pocket reference for L&D- I think the website is http://www.inmypocketbooks.com. I think what you're going through is pretty normal; it takes most people about 2 years to feel confident in something as varied and specialized as labor & delivery.

It can be a really difficult transition, from student to L&D nurse. And when you go straight from school to L&D, you're struggling with learning both how to BE a nurse and learning your specialty.

If you feel that therapy would help you, then go for it- it doesn't make you any less strong of a person, and might be a good way for you to learn how to decompress. But I do think what you are going through is pretty normal for where you are in your nursing career! (((BIG HUGS))) to you!

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Sounds like you're a normal new grad experiencing the normal feelings we all have that first few months or so. Hang in there a little while longer. Maybe if you came home and did something physical like walk, or some other stress reducing activity you'll fare a bit better. But don't fret, you're normal and don't need therapy.

Sounds like you're very self-aware, so you'll be o.k.

[Goldenhare]

AAAAGGGGHHHH! Don't scare me!! This is exactly what my situation will be in 3 weeks!!!:stone