Update: no longer questioning my career choice

Nurses New Nurse

Published

So a couple months ago I posted how stressed out I was as a new nurse on an intense floor. I was terrified to be an independent nurse away from her preceptor. Turns out, my stress has decreased a WHOLE ton.

Before when I had about 5 weeks of orientation left, I had emotional breakdowns at home all the time. It was absolutely ridiculous. I couldn't help it. Work terrified me. I was so scared of being alone and getting a diagnosis or an order that I had no clue of. I was scared to not have someone else question orders for me. Everything. I've been on my own 5 weeks now and now the only thing that stresses me is worrying if I'll get enough sleep before going in for my night shift.

I work with FABULOUS nurses who ALWAYS help when needed. My time management is so much better now. My confidence level is increased. However, my HCP started me on Lexapro, which definitely contributed, but I think also being away from the preceptor I was with also helps, he was pretty strict and I think I was a lot smarter than he gave me credit for.

There are still things I'm not 100% with. And that's okay. I may still miss orders or forget to document something, but the majority of my patient is taken care of and the safety is never a part that's compromised. I always remind myself- there's only so much that I can do in 1 12 hour shift. Whatever I miss, other nurses will catch it.

Ruby Vee, BSN

17 Articles; 14,030 Posts

Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

Good to hear you're doing so much better.

Thank you for posting an update. I'm going to be graduating in December and I can relate to your previous post. What area of nursing dp you work in?

Capriinverno

46 Posts

Specializes in Oncology.

Let me tell you how amazing it is to hear that you have gotten over the hump and are feeling more confident. I am a new nurse, recently started on November 4th working nights on an oncology unit and my last shift, which was last night was tough. Nursing is definitely hard, harder than you realized it would be in nursing school. It's definitely fraustrating to miss something and have someone else catch it. I'm still fresh on the unit and in starting my shifts, but I am very hard on myself. The one thing that comes to mind is that I have to keep going back and learning only to hope that it will get better. Seeing your post, I know it will. Thank you for making me realize that! I hope I will soon be where you are currently!

Please, keep us updated in your journey!

metrodome

5 Posts

I saw your original post, and I thought, she needs to find a seasoned nurse who is happy to share her knowledge. Sounds like you found that person. As far as not being 100% confident, this is not a bad thing. Medicine is forever changing, and every patient is different. The day a nurse says she knows everything is the day she should retire. Be a sponge, ask questions, and don't be intimidated by the doctors. Whenever I questioned an order I would ask the doctor to explain why they were ordering a certain dosage or medication. Word it in a way that doesn't sound questioning, but that you need clarity. Fifty percent of the time they made an error; the other half I learned something new. Most importantly don't be arrogant like the nurse who tried to put you down and steal your confidence. Pay it forward, and take a new grad under your wing. If you show the same compassion to a fellow nurse, as you show your patients, then you are already a great nurse!

Learning to ask why someone is doing something without sounding like you're challenging their choice is one of the most useful job skills on the planet. I spent a decade in management before changing careers into nursing. I've never ever gotten mad at someone for wanting to know why or how or for asking me to check how they were doing something to see if it could be improved. I've fired people for not asking questions when they should have and causing giant problems. It's great you have such supportive people to work with!

amoLucia

7,736 Posts

Specializes in retired LTC.

Congrats on your growing confidence and maturity!

You give credence to the many of us here who try to coach students and newbie nurses that 'time really does help'!

Thumbs up to you personally & professionally!

tavalon1

13 Posts

I call the first year in any specialty "Life Shock". It happens to new nurses and nurses moving to a new field. We have a lot of new nurses on our unit and I try to sit down and talk to them about this. It helps normalize it for them. Now, if a new nurse isn't scared, I am.

Nursebface

7 Posts

Nocturnallife: I work on a surgical orthopedic floor. Good luck with the last couple days in your semester! You got this.

I currently work on a surgical orthopedic floor as a nurse extern. I like it so far but the night nurse-to-pt ratio is 8:1. Do you think that's too much? If I decide to stay when I graduate the nurses availabe to precept me only have 2 -3 yrs of experience. I think a preceptor should have more experience than that. Idk I maybe overthinking.

Specializes in Med-surg, telemetry, oncology, rehab, LTC, ALF.

I've recently came to the same conclusion. I tell myself when I leave work everyday that I did everything that I could during my 8 hour shift. I reassure myself that 2 more nurses will be following up on my work. Then I promptly forget about work, go home and relax.

It took some time to get there, though, and a ton of support. This is my 7th month as a new nurse. I left after 4 months at one hospital new grad position. Then I landed a job almost two years later at a short term rehab unit and it has been great, so far. I hope to get my year (and maybe longer!) in there.

Maturity and perspective has also been beneficial. I didn't need money when I graduated and could afford to be a little more selective. Now, I'm just thankful to have a job in this economy and a DON that appreciates my hard work.

Nursebface

7 Posts

I currently work on a surgical orthopedic floor as a nurse extern. I like it so far but the night nurse-to-pt ratio is 8:1. Do you think that's too much? If I decide to stay when I graduate the nurses availabe to precept me only have 2 -3 yrs of experience. I think a preceptor should have more experience than that. Idk I maybe overthinking.

My ratio is 5:1 95% of the time, we can go as high up at 7 patients. However, even the most seasoned nurses feel 5 patients is often times too many. About your preceptor, as long as they are knowledgable then I don't see any wrong in it. I work with a lot of very smart nurses who have only been a nurse for 1.5years. It all depends. If it isn't a good fit, say something!

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