What suprised/shocked you the most?

[FullMoonMadness]

Hello and congratulations to those of you who have recently graduated and passed your boards. I will be joining your ranks hopefully in Dec. I am writing a paper now on managed care an how it affects the nursing shortage. I am focusing on the reality checks that new nurses get once they are in the real world. I understand about short orientations,low staffing on high acuity assignments and floating to an area you are not yet comfortable with. With your permission I would like to include some of your thought or feelings. I would appreciate any input if you have the time. Thanks!!! 11 weeks and counting:D

[CJStudent]

Hmm...I would have to say the big shocker was how much I didn't know, or didn't learn in school! Good luck!

[dsczephyr]

Amen to that!! That and how hard it is to do a dozen things at the same time, prioritize correctly, remember to document everything while I am at it, remember everything I need to ask about everything that I am trying to do, make sure all my bases are covered - and still leave only a half an hour after my shift ends.... Denise

[kimmicoobug]

I was just talking about this subject to one of my best friends that will graduate this following year...Personally, I don't think my school prepared me. I learned all of the book stuff, think I do pretty well with prioritizing, and even time management (although room to grow). The only thing is, we only took 2 patients as students and had to do total care. I have a very hard time communicating with the CNA's and delegating. Also, I feel very dumb when it comes to just policy and procedure for this hospital. I don't know the unit routines!! I am off of orientation and will be taking my first load on my own tomorrow in med-surg (although am also cross-trained to OB--PP and have been taking my own loads for a month there.) I am incredibly nervous!