NEW NURSE! :(

Editorial Team / Admin · Jul 22, 2015

Oh my, big congratulations on completing nursing school, passing NCLEX and starting your first nursing position!

I am going to move this to First Year After Nursing Licensure area, because you need to read some posts from others who are or have been in your very same position, and who have felt or are going through some of the same things you are!

I must say, even as a "seasoned" RN, it still takes me a year or so to feel comfortable in a new position.

You are learning to be a nurse, to combine your theory and what was learned in nursing school, with working in a new way (as a nurse, not a student) in a new position, --- "learning the ropes," so to speak.

Please be good to yourself and take care of yourself while you are in this transition.

Perhaps keep a diary (every day if need be, or less often if that fits you more), and compare your writings (what I learned, what I did right, etc) in a month or two.

I am pretty sure you will see a big difference from month to month.

I hope you are working with supportive colleagues, and that you have adequate time for orientation.

And keep us posted. :)

tsm007 · Jul 22, 2015

I am feeling the same way. I got my license the end of March. Had my first job in April. First job didn't work out. Started second job a month ago. I am baby stepping my way through all of this. I realize even the basic stuff I am struggling with being fluid on. What I've been doing is hitting my nursing books and getting new resources. Every time I hit something I don't remember I look it up and I'm back to practicing stuff at home. I am determined to figure this stuff out. From reading here it's fairly normal to feel stupid starting out. Although most of my classmates act like they got it all together and they all have better jobs than me, but I have been trying to stop comparing myself to other people. I've been setting goals based on my current ability level and trying to keep reading and studying stuff and I know eventually if I stick with it I will get better. It helps me coming here knowing I'm not alone. Although sometimes coming to Allnurses just makes me feel dumber when I don't have a clue what people are talking about. I just keep focusing on putting one foot in front of the other.

Stitch3296 · Jul 22, 2015

No advice to offer, I'm a new nurse too. I passed NCLEX in April, and begin my residency in September. I alternate between excited and fearful for all I don't know yet. Just wanted to wish you good luck. I've heard keeping a notebook with pertinent info., such as phone # to md, and other department, common meds for your floor and whatnot is helpful.

Everline · Jul 22, 2015

You are not alone. I'm sorry I have no advice. I'm struggling too and it helps me to remember that this is a tough transition period for many people. It's not that I'd wish this on anyone, but knowing that it's normal to feel overwhelmed and that people have gone through it and survived to become good nurses, saves me from becoming completely demoralized. It helps to have a little hope. I know some days, though, it feels like nothing helps.

adventure_rn, MSN, NP · Jul 22, 2015

:roflmao:

So sorry, the title "NEW NURSE! :(" made me laugh out loud. I promise you, every new nurse has embodied the feeling of "NEW NURSE! :(" at one point or another.

It gets better with time, but there are some things you can do to make the transition smoother. Collect your thoughts and ask questions. If something goes wrong, try to reflect on why it went wrong and learn what to do differently next time. Time management can make a huge difference--perhaps planning out what you'll do each day hour by hour will help you get organized. It definitely helps if you've got a supportive educator/preceptor, and if you have a solid orientation.

Some days are going to suck. Some days you will make mistakes. But other days you'll come back to a skill that used to trip you up, and you'll kick that skill's butt ("Take that, female Foley insertion!")

Hang in there!

Jessabelle · Jul 23, 2015

You are not alone, trust me. Sometimes I think that this is not for me- but then I remember why would I have gotten this far if it wasn't? And I plan on furthering my education someday, I'm just getting "my feet wet", so to speak. Like I said I just want to be a good nurse not one that's just in it for the paycheck. I have faith in us, "newbies", we're just getting started, pretty soon we'll be gliding. I just get in my feelings sometimes though. :/

Jessabelle · Jul 23, 2015

Thank you! :)

LobotRN, BSN, RN · Jul 29, 2015

"Take that, female Foley insertion!"

:yes: That about sums it up! And you made me laugh adventure_rn! There will come a time, after you've stuck it out for a while OP, that you too will be able to claim that phrase.

SapphireJulzRN · Jul 29, 2015

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Utilize your charge nurse and other seasoned nurses.

It took me a good year to feel comfortable. I'm 3 years in and still ask questions if I'm not sure about something.

I'm pretty sure every new nurse feels the way you do. I know I did! As nurses, we are continuous learners. I pretty much learn something new every shift!