[RNLauraZ]

I have faced each hurdle in my formal education, and most recently my boards, head-on and have succeded. Now I am to begin my employment as a med-surg registered nurse on Monday. Now that I have gotten past all the studying for written tests and am a "real" nurse (albeit a "baby" nurse ) and am looking at what lies ahead of me, I am scared stiff. I feel as if I don't know a thing about nursing and that the hospital in which I have been employed has made a huge mistake in hiring me. I am hoping that this feeling is temporary and I will begin building confidence in myself SOON. I am hoping that what some of my friends who graduated a year ahead of me has told me is true: that I will learn most of what I need to know in practice, and the confidence will come in time.

PLEASE tell me that this is correct. I am so afraid that I won't "get it" and will fail at my life-long dream. I'm hoping that this is just the pre-employment jitters.

Laura

[CaronRN58]

Congratulations! And welcome to the wonderful world of nursing. It's a rewarding, exhausting, exciting, ever changing profession. You will do fine. Insist on an open ended orientation, that is, an orientation that lasts until you are comfortable in your work environment. And ask questions. The only dumb question is the one that you didn't ask. It will also amaze you when you dicover just how much you really do know.

A genuine antique nurse.
CaronRN58

[ClariceS]

I totally agree with RNLaura on congratulations and how you will be surprised on what you do know. Also though, this is when you really begin to learn. Hopefully the nurse who orients you will like to teach. Look for those nurses on your floor who seem to have a handle on how things go. These can be great resources for you. Avail yourself of every in-house or on-unit inservice that is offered to the nurses on your floor - especially those given by your staff educator if you have one. These can help alot. For now, follow then develop your own style as you gain confidence. Best of Luck!

[lv2ski]

Hi Laura, those are normal feelings you are experiencing.You need to take a deep breath, frequently, and utilize the confidence you have that helped you survive nursing school, the first and maybe largest hurdle! Remember always that you are not alone. Make the most of your orientation, and always ASK if you are unsure. You will do fine. We all have bad days sometimes, it comes with the territory. I often have to repeat to myself 'I'm dancing as fast as I can' and sometimes I say it to my patients too......good luck, deep breathe.

[sarsRN]

Hi there, i just read your message and it must be a coincidence, I just got hired to start as an RN on tuesday sept 4; I'm so Anxious! I hope I dont screw up.... I cant believe it!! i waited for that day for soooo long and now it's here.....and I really wish I was still in clinicals and I would have the reassurance that the instructors were near by, but it's gonna be my own thing now... and Just like you were back in july I am right now!! I hope things turn out well.

[sarsRN]

Hi there, i just read your message and it must be a coincidence, I just got hired to start as an RN on tuesday sept 4; I'm so Anxious! I hope I dont screw up.... I cant believe it!! i waited for that day for soooo long and now it's here.....and I really wish I was still in clinicals and I would have the reassurance that the instructors were near by, but it's gonna be my own thing now... and Just like you were back in july I am right now!! I hope things turn out well.

[lv2ski]

To SarsRN...you may not have your instructors there with you now but you will have experienced nurses there mentoring you. You will not be alone. I am still comforted by the fact that others are around with their own knowledge and input, and we utilize each other often. Team work is everything!

[Nursz-R-Awsm]

Laura, these posters are right:
-you know more than you think
-fear is good...we'd be scared if you felt you could do it all
-always ask questions...none of them are dumb...you're smart to ask
and ...I will attempt to cut/paste this poem. I hope you enjoy it.
~Lisa

Being a NURSE means…

You will never be bored.
You will always be frustrated.
You will be surrounded by challenges.
So much to do and so little time.
You will carry immense responsibility,
And very little authority.
You will step into people’s lives,
And you will make a difference.
Some will bless you.
Some will curse you.
You will see people at their worst-
And at their best.
You will never cease to be amazed
At people’s capacity for
Love, courage, and endurance.
You will see life begin-and end.
You will experience resounding triumphs,
And devastating failures.
You will cry a lot.
You will laugh a lot.
You will know what it is to be human,
And to be humane.

Melodie Chenevert, RN

[RNPAULIE]

Congratulations!!!!! I am also a new nurse, four weeks into orientation. I have the same fears as you. The floor I am working on I have been an aide on for FOURTEEN years. Talk about performance anxiety!!!! I knew expectations were high and was soooo scared to disappoint the people I have literally grown up with. I ask a thousand questions and when I don't feel comfortable I speak my mind, I try to keep my thoughts organized and finish one task at a time. The people we care for depend on us to know what we are doing and I was so afraid to make a mistake(still am!!!) The best thing to do is keep your wits about you, stay as informed and up to date as you can and give 110%. I feel that all the information that was thrown at us in school only makes true sense when we are out there utilizing it. Good luck to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[HLopez]

ASK QUESTIONS!!!!!!!! p.s. CONGRADULATIONS and welcome.