[nursekatie22]

I need some "seasoned" input here. I'm constantly worried that I don't know enough. I think that if I'm not studying when I'm not working, then I'm, in effect, saying that I'm "smart enough" and my patients don't deserve more.

I want to say it's almost a guilty feeling that I have, but that's not entirely true either, because I love learning. I just feel like if I'm not doing it constantly, I'm letting my future patients down or something. Is this totally nuts?

[elizabeth321]

Are you a student nurse? If so you probably are studying plenty!
I have been in the health care field for 20 plus years. I am not learning every minute but I learn soemthing new everytime I go to work...I am always reading nursing articles, taking courses etc. It is an ongoing process...the fact that you don't think you know it all is a good thing in my mind....but don't beat yourself up....it is an ongoing journey not an arrival.

Liz

[nursekatie22]

No, I just finished school....and I really DO love learning, I guess I just get depressed sometimes about the amount of stuff I know versus what I DON'T know!

[Marie_LPN, RN]

How about subscribing to nursing magazines?

[Suesquatch]

If you're a new graduate the impetus to study just hasn't worn off yet. I'm in school for my RN - am an LPN - and always feel guilty if I'm not reading something for school.

Marie's suggestion is a good one.

[TazziRN]

You're not expected to know alot as a new grad!!!! And you're not expected to be spending every waking down minuted studying, either. The knowledge will come as you go, relax.

[nursekatie22]

I know, I know....When I would go up to ICU for clinicals I would be petrified, but I could still function and the nurses at that hospital (Fresno Community) were really supportive and said they'd rather have a scared student who's not afraid to ask questions than a know-it-all who could kill someone.

I won't be able to afford a nursing subscription for a month or two cause of just working out finances, paying off loans, etc, but I plan on doing that, joining the ANA, etc if not just for education purposes! Thanks for making me not feel so freakish!

[TheCommuter]

Always keep in mind that most learning takes place informally, meaning that it doesn't arise from any book in existence. As a nurse, your learning will come from challenging situations, repeated observations, and numerous hands-on experiences. Also, learning is lifelong. In nursing, there is something new to be learned every single day of your career.

[nursekatie22]

I can already tell a huge difference just from working full time rather than two partial clinical days a week! I guess I just needed to gripe a little....

[traumaRUs]

I've been a nurse for 15 years total and am a recent (May 06) grad of an APN program so I'm a new grad too - lol. I do have those feelings because now the buck stops with me. I can choose to call the doctor, but even if I do, I know I must have my ducks in a row and have taken all the prelimiary steps first.