[Bambi]

Hi,
I posted on the LPN forum with no luck of replies. I will be
starting a BSN program in Jan. I just have a question
about where I should be in my performance and confidence
level as a new grad with 6.5 mos. of experience as a night
charge, nurse in a nursing home. Aprox. 40 and up pt. I
feel confident a lot of the time. However, I know that I need
a lot of work in that area. Is there anyone out there that can
give me some advice on this issue. What can I do to boost
my morale and be that confident person I hoping to become
sooner than later. Thanks for any advice you can give me.
P.S. I am not really having problems with the skills.

[nurse-lou]

Well, when I started out as a new grad back in 1997, our intstructors always told us that it would be a year until we felt confident. So, seeing as how you've been out of school for 6.5 months, give yourself time. As you get more experience with different things, then your confidence will grow. Each time you change into a new specialty, you need to give yourself time to feel comfortable in that setting.

I've been in Critical Care now for 9 months now and I still don't feel totally comfortable with everything. Whenever you have a question about something, just ask someone! The only stupid question is the one that you didn't ask. Good luck!

Kelly

[TEXASWAG]

PMA---Positive Mental Attitude. It works. I picture myself looking a certain way, walking a certain way, and feeling a certain. All negative thoughts are gone out of my mind. I say postitive things about myself. When I do this, I am a postive person and my confidence shows.

The fact that you are a charge nurse says something about you. You already have the confidence. I agree with the previous poster. Give yourself time.

[tattooednursie]

I have a confidence problem too! but this is what co-workers have said to me "Quit beating yourself up, you are doing wonderful!" and also "YOu must be doing a good job if your that worried." I have no problems with my skilld either, I'm just constantly thinking that I suck, and I express it. I have even had the DON tell me that I am good, but I still go home every day crying.

[Tweety]

Fake it until you make it.

It takes time and experience to gain confidence. It took me a long time. I suffered from chronic self-esteem going into nursing and didn't nursing destroy whatever self-confidence I had.

But I certainly didn't let my instructors, my coworkers, or my patients know it!

[CMERN]

"fake it until you make it".... I like it, and it is true you just keep on believing in yourself..ask questions and confidence comes with time... Good Luck ..you've already got what it takes.

[Julielpn]

Hey Bambi~
I can relate to where you are. I've been working nights in LTC for only a couple of months now, as a charge nurse. Usually by myself, with 1 or 2 aides for about 60 patients.
I am not very confident with myself or if I am getting everything done that needs done, but I do have faith that in time, things will come to me.
Let's give ourselves a bit longer to see. I agree that it's gonna take a while, but the fact that we are being trusted with the facility and that we do know what we are doing, is a big plus in our favor!
Remember how it was when you first started? How things were so scary? It's not as bad now, is it?
Every day you are learning more and more.....and your confidence will build from learning.
Hang in there....I'm sure you are doing great!
PM me if you'd like to talk more.....

Julie

[RRMLPN]

Bambi, remember we all learn continually if you run upon something you don't feel confident in bring in some books, read up on it. I know when i was new(and still consider myself less than a seasoned nurse) i found it helped to find someone i trusted and made them my mentor it helped tremendously. we all have periods of doubt in ourselves, stay positive and keep your focus, your going to do just fine and you always have us here to lean on.

[Bambi]

Hey,
you guys are so supportive. Thank you for your responses. It
makes me say I can do this, and faking it til' I make it sounds good to me. Positive self talk is what I need.

[emily_mom]

Experience breeds confidence. The more time you've put in; the more comfortable you will be. Until then, fake it and never let em see ya sweat!

Kristy