Ode to the New Nurse

[guest358111]

An ode to the new nurse I work with....also known as what I want you to know. I see in new nurses what I felt in myself when I started nursing. Reality shock is real. It is scary. And it stinks. You have sleepless nights and blurry days. You feel sick and are thankful at the end of the day if you didn't kill anyone. But you will get through it. Just hang on and give it time. I have faith in you. You are going to make it!

I want you to know

I saw you crying

I felt your frustration

I understand your turmoil.

I want you to know that you will get through this

(Although sometimes you have to fight your way through)

I want you to know that you will be all right.

(Even if it feels like your career is over)

I want you to know that this soon will pass.

(Even though it seems like it will never end)

I want to to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

(Even if it seems blocked)

I want you to know that we all make mistakes

(Have you heard of the ones that I have done?!)

I want you to know that we all have bad days

(Trust me)

I want you to know that it's not as bad as you think

(Even though you think it's worse than bad)

I want you to know they are not out to get you.

(But they can eat their young, so be careful)

I want you to know that your time management WILL get better

(But probably not until you realize how bad it is)

I want you to remember that you are still learning.

(I don't know anyone who isn't)

I want you to know that those who speak the loudest aren't always the smartest

(Even if they think they are)

I want you to know that years of experience doesn't mean knowledge of everything but

(That knowledge comes with experience which comes with time)

I want you to know that you ARE a good nurse

(Even if you think they say you are not)

I want you to know that there are so many options

(Just keep that in mind)

I want you to know that we have all been where you are

I want you to know that I care.

It's ok to cry

To vent

Just please come back tomorrow and do it again

Because I like working with you

Believe it or not

I see some of myself in you

And someday

Somehow

You will see

It will get better

(I just wanted you to know.)

[SwansonRN]

I am printing this out and posting it on my mirror! I wish I worked with a nurse like you :)

[RiRi03]

Thank you so, so much.

[guest358111]

wow.. this actually made me tear. I am a new nurse. I have been working on a busy subacute unit in a nursing home for 6 months now. I am constantly tired from sleepless nights of wondering if I did everything right, If I answered every question to my patients correctly, and did I refer that lab....? It is so comforting to know someone else understands how I feel. I strive to one day be "the strong nurse." The nurse who can handle any crisis situation.. but until that time comes, I will read posts like this one, that have so deeply touched my heart, and made me feel better. I thank you.

Great! You are so welcome. You will get there. :)

[guest358111]

Thank you SOO much. I have been reading "allnurses.com" for a few weeks now for encouragement. I began my first nursing job last month. I am now in my last week of orientation and am SO Scared, not knowing whether or not I'm going to pass and have a job. I feel as though only the areas where I lack are discussed during my weekly meetings.

I was interviewed for a night position which I was willing to accept to allow myself downtime to focus and work on documentation. However, I was hired for full time days. Should I ask about the night shift?

I am so glad that this was an encouragement to you! Have you passed the NCLEX yet? I think it depends on what you think that you can handle as far as the shift. Which shifts have you been oriented to? Sometimes the day is better because there are so many resources-but it is faster paced. Do you work well at night? There are many things to be considered. If you do have the option of days, I would think maybe you should try that just to see. You could always go to nights-but sometimes it takes longer to get from nights to days. I guess it depends on several factors like the ones that I listed. :)

[guest358111]

Wow...that sent chills down my spine. Do you work with me? I feel like you saw exactly what happened to me.

You never can tell..muuuhaha... But actually I see a lot of the same emotions in many new grads. Some manifest differently of course depending on personality...but reality shock is reality shock. Not a fun time really for the first 6-12 months-depending on the person.

[trueblue2000]

The best post I have seen on this board in a long time. At which time point would you say it gets better? 6, 9, 12, 18 or 24 months into the job?

[dyanne23-RN]

That is so sweet! You're awesome and nurses rock!!!

[guest358111]

The best post I have seen on this board in a long time. At which time point would you say it gets better? 6, 9, 12, 18 or 24 months into the job?

Again, I think it depends on the person. It takes some people 6, it takes others 12. Depends on the situation as well. I would think it should be workable for most people after 24 months..if not, time to try another area of nursing! :)

[Tricia328]

So sweet and kind. Refreshing to read! Thank you for your post.

[42katrn]

I stumbled upon this last night at 1:30 am while seriously considering resigning from my RN position on a surg floor. I am 13 months off precepting and was doing better, thought I was over the new nurse depression. Then had a craptastic week and fell so back into it. Your post was just what I needed at exactly the right time.

Re-grouping, thank God with four days off from the hospital and heading back in with some renewed purpose and trying out a few new organizational tips I found on the med/surg forum.

Thanks, you just might have saved a nurse....

[ShaynaSmart]

May I come and work with you when I graduate? : )

[rnblack4]

This is definitely nice to hear! Thanks!