How do you get that CONFIDENCE

Nurses New Nurse

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I'm a new grad who will be starting my orientation in shortly. It still hasn't hit me yet that I am a nurse:eek:

How did you get that confidence needed to survive in the first year?

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Give yourself time to learn and grow as a professional. I'm a new grad two months on the job. I learn something new every time I come in. It's hard going at first (I only had 3 weeks orientation), but it's gets easier and easier. Understanding coworkers help a lot, too. I've asked them a TON of questions. Also, *remember* you've been hired because they think you're the right fit for that unit and that you can safely do the job. Have some faith in yourself! You can make it Miss (or Mister) LICENSED Professional!

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I learn something new every time I come in.

There is so much on the job training in this profession! There's no way that a preceptor can teach you everything you need to know (as I find out nearly every single shift when something unfamiliar pops up that I've never heard of or had to do yet!). Just go forth realizing that you will make mistakes, but you will gain experience with each task/problem you take on. Hopefully you will work with great people who guide you with a smile, and help mold you into a great nurse :nurse:.

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Specializes in Pedi Rehab,Pediatrics, PICU.

Confidence is something that I've found just grows on you. You see the same/similar situation a few times, you learn how to manage it through coaching/help of others. Then one day you walk in and you see the same thing, you automatically take charge, do what needs to be done. Tell others how to assist you or my favorite, teach someone else how/what to do! That's when you know you're becoming more confident.

Its a slow, silent process.

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Specializes in Med Surg, Specialty.

Honestly, you should fake it(around patients) until you actually have that confidence. For example, don't walk in and say "I'm going to try to get an IV in you", say "I'm going to put an IV in you". Patients need to see that sense of calm and control in you so they can feel safer, even if inside you are a nervous wreck. Its really only with experience that you will gain that confidence over time, but think of how fast time flies by. Before you know it you will have been on the unit a week, a month, 6 months, a year, and you'll be over that hump - although even the experienced nurses will still have days of lack of confidence because you can't know everything and crazy things happen every day that you can't plan for. So relax - what you are feeling is normal, and most of it will pass over time. Good luck! :)

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Specializes in MSN, FNP-BC.

I'm not sure when I will get my confidence but if you figure it out, let us know. :lol2:

I've been on the job for 3 months now. I have 3 weeks left on orientation before they "cut the cord" and let me loose and I'm scared out of my mind!

It seems that every time I feel somewhat confident, something new comes up that I don't know anything about and now that I'm getting to the end of orientation, my confidence has dipped even more.

I'm sure it will come along but so far it's been more a roller coaster than a steady climb.

You will have your good days and your bad days. As I'm seeing the bad days be less and less, I'm guessing my confidence as a nurse will increase.

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To the original poster, I am so glad you posted this! I start orientation in a few weeks and I am terrified! I have no idea what they are going to expect me to know when I get there. I feel like I know nothing! I feel like I shouldb "study" before my first day. DO you feel this nervous too? Or am i just crazy? EEEK

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