[rn2newgrads]

I just graduated in May. I start work on Aug 4th. I am very happy and excited since my facility offers one of the best orientations for New Grads available. (RN residency program, preceptorship, etc). I have had the whole summer off to enjoy with my children, at the pool and library and just generally relaxing. Even so, the start date is getting closer. Everytime I think about it I feel extremely nervous and nauseated. I feel like somehow I will fail and get fired. This little voice of self-doubt keeps nagging at me (you know the same one from nursing school??) and sometimes I feel like I don't really know what I am getting myself into, and some people's posts on the internet are really starting to scare me...

Does everyone feel this way!!?? Is this normal?

[jennypink RN]

Totally normal! Especially after having time off. I'm working as a graduate nurse right now, I just graduated in May also. My first day on the floor was last Friday and let me tell you, I was NERVOUS!! And I have worked at this hospital as a secretary for 3 years, so I know everyone and most everything about the place and I was still so anxious! I was worried because I haven't done anything clinically since April when I had my last clinical day. But it all came back to me so far, and I'm slowly feeling better and more confident. The only thing I have left to worry about is passing my boards next Tuesday!

You're going to be fine, you'll see.

[rn2newgrads]

Thanks for the reassurance! In Illinois, you can't practice license pending, so thankfully I have the boards out of the way...

Good luck on Tuesday!! I am sure that you will be just fine

[rhondaa83]

I think it is normal to be scared. I was terrified, and thought all of the things that you have, and you just have to learn new things. There are a ton of things that they do not teach you in nursing school about what it is REALLY like. You just have to truly care for people and have some brain cells and you should be all right. I am a little over two months at my first job and some nights I feel like I have connected with a patient, and other nights I would like to puke. There is just so much to know. Hopefully you have very patient co-workers who will answer all of your questions. Good luck