New nurse jitters!!!

<3RehabRN · Jan 8, 2013

Its super normal to have the jitters, and they will stay for quite a while. Nurses tend to judge new grads so stay strong and prove your worthy and knowledgeable. Doctors will also have to get to know you and see whether your recommendations and suggestions for orders will hold true. Jitters will soon begin to fade once you have a few dozen pt.'s swear that they "couldn't have done it without you", pt.'s come walk in to visit the unit after being discharged home unable to walk, and your first code blue that is successful. Multiple mile stones you will reach but remember these 3 key points:

1) Everyone has there own way of staying organized, gathering report/info, and keeping time management and priorities straight. It'd be good for you to train with multiple preceptors to see many different ways of doing things so that you can pick and choose things that work for you.

2) Patient care is the most important thing. Documentation can be BRUTAL at some rehab facilities, this is what sometimes takes the longest. Some nurses get discouraged when not able to leave on time the first few weeks to months due to charting. Just remember the hardest and most important thing is caring for your patients the best you can, documenting just requires you have your notes together and some interruption free time.

3) You're a nurse for one reason and one reason only...you LOVE to care for people, you're a nurturer. Nursing is a calling, and you will know soon enough if this was meant for you. Just stick with it for at least 6 months to adjust prior to deciding to change specialties or choose a new career. A lot of new grads get scared due to the abundance of responsibilities on a rehab unit. You can do it...I promise you.

Good luck to you!!

jpowell6024 · Jan 10, 2013

Thank you so much!!