Getting ready to start...feel STUPID!

cherokeesummer · Sep 4, 2007

Anybody? Am I the only one who feels :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

deleern · Sep 4, 2007

Relax. you will do just fine. I have been working for 2 month as an RN and I am suprized about how much I add to my knowlege base every day. Just get in there. get your feet wet. ask lots of questions.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Sep 4, 2007

Sweetie, they don't expect you to have much more than a quarter to buy a clue.

You'll be fine. Really.

kayel · Sep 4, 2007

Well, after the summer off, I am feeling kind of the same way about hitting the books and getting on the wards again. Rest assured it will all come back to you -- and still adding to your knowledge base daily -- and reference books are an arm's length away!! Your orientation will help too and get you acclimatized!! GL it sounds awesome! Congrats on your new job!!!

KckStrt · Sep 4, 2007

3 months ago I felt exactly the same as you... in fact.. I still do most every morning... You know more then you think you know, you are going to be just fine. I try to be humble, teachable and a good example whenever I can every day. I see other new grads that "know it all" and the other RN's give them little respect and let them fall flat on their faces. Ask questions and stay away from people who talk to you like you are "stupid".

Wishing you luck...

Piki · Sep 4, 2007

Very common! I was much in the same boat as you - graduated in June, didn't start on the floor until early August (not counting the week of orientation and week of med-surg review class they paid for me to attend). I felt like a stumbling bumbling fool (still do, many days!). I agree with the others. Go in, ask questions, be humble, be kind and be interested in learning. I had never set my feet on my unit as a student (mostly attended clinicals at another hospital system altogether) so everything was totally brand new.

You'll do fine. :welcome:

changeofpaceRN · Sep 4, 2007

I think that's perfectly normal! I was the same way. If you want to feel better, you can always do a search under my name and see how many times I felt stupid as a new nurse hahaha. I was lucky to find a facility where everyone helps the new nurse and everyone is available for questions!

cherokeesummer · Sep 5, 2007

Thanks I'm really trying to keep reminding myself that we all start somewhere!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :):) Coupled with the normal new nurse fears I have the fear of being so far away from my son (about 30 miles) (but over a bridge that is often backed up). and returning to work after having my son with me all the time from the time he was born!

So I think its a big ole combo deal for me!

blueberrybon · Sep 5, 2007

I'm not an RN, but an LPN, and I can tell you that not only did I feel the same way, but I've met two RN's who are just now starting and they feel like idiots! They both have told me that they are certain that they know less than me (I, remember am an LPN).

This feeling of inadequacy is obviously normal. I would have to say "just go with the flow". I know, easy for me to say. But even being an LPN I've felt the exact same way as has every other nurse.

Care about what you're doing, and you'll be good.

Good luck to you!

Blue

Chloe'sinNYNow · Sep 5, 2007

Sounds like me right now Cherokee! And I've been asking the same questions you have been. I feel like a sponge who has just taken as much learning as she could until it started to leak out due to some inactive Alzheimer's thing. It's scary when I find myself referring to my 1st year nursing school texts for fundamental skills as I interview in various type units. And I know I should ask questions. But honestly, I am the question queen, and it's just not tolerated or wanted or accepted. At least not in my experience of clinical rotations or externship. I was always, yes ALWAYS, told my questions should be researched outside of clinical and brought to the attention of my preceptor at hte end of shift if I couldn't figure it out on my own. But at the end of a 14 hour day, she just never seemed to make time for me. Hell, I think the one time I asked about whether we were allowed time to sit and eat, was the absolute wrong question to ask!!!

C'mon, this has happened to somebody else out there? Where you ask questions as you go along, but your preceptor acts like she really doesn't want to precept? I mean isn't it their job to help? Answer? Demo?

So yes Cherokee, I'm scared to death that I've gone thru school, grad, boards, interviewing, and will be in a position to ask or not ask. Why can't people just be open to saying, "ya know,I don't know. Let's find out together" if a question challenges them as well. Because I really think that my critical thinking skills have me asking very analytical questions that require in-depth thinking (and answering!).

cherokeesummer · Sep 6, 2007

3 months ago I felt exactly the same as you... in fact.. I still do most every morning... You know more then you think you know, you are going to be just fine. I try to be humble, teachable and a good example whenever I can every day. I see other new grads that "know it all" and the other RN's give them little respect and let them fall flat on their faces. Ask questions and stay away from people who talk to you like you are "stupid".
Wishing you luck...

Thanks for the well wishes, I have an OT question - the bikers against child abuse, is that a group, national organization or local? I ask b/c my Hubby is a biker (not a harley or anything LOL, we own a Gixxer) but we are friends with a great deal of other motorcyclists and I think motorcyle riders are a very cohesive unit of people, just wondering how to spread the word - anything to help children!