Did you ever doubt your nursing abilities/judgement?

Pat_Pat RN · Jan 25, 2009

I will "learn" something "new" then think, "Hey, I remember that! I used to know that!"

It is cyclic, and will depend on what area you specialize in.

Virgo_RN, BSN, RN · Jan 25, 2009

Yep, normal. Totally, completely, thoroughly normal. I remember those days like they were yesterday. Walking up that ramp from the locker room to the report room, not knowing what my assignment would be, or what the shift would have in store, feeling like I could vomit at any second. That feeling of impending doom, as if I were "Dead Man Walking". I rarely feel that way now, but when I was new, I felt that way all the time.

madwife2002, BSN, RN · Jan 25, 2009

uhh, did you read this,, what do you think..
don't be an eater.
she is good in school but is afraid of the real world of nursing.. that is a good thing.
don't be a eater.

You missunderstood I wanted to know gifted in what= nursing or because she is intellegent they are two different things. Then I would be more informed to offer advice

By the way there is no need to be personnal as I am sure you know it is against TOS

litbitblack, ASN, RN · Jan 25, 2009

Completely normal. No one knows it all. There is a new learning experience every single day. Ask questions. Put yourself out there. And at some point without you knowing it, people will be asking you things and you get to teach. What a wonderful profession to learn new things all the time and get to use them

nursedudeforchrist · Jan 25, 2009

You missunderstood I wanted to know gifted in what= nursing or because she is intellegent they are two different things. Then I would be more informed to offer advice
By the way there is no need to be personnal as I am sure you know it is against TOS

By "gifted" I meant intelligent:wink2:

madwife2002, BSN, RN · Jan 25, 2009

I think that you will do well in nursing, you need a smidging of commen sense, a good personality, intellegence and above all a good sense of humor with the ability to laugh at yourself.

Also I think reflection on your working day helps and not just the negative bits the positive bits too-that is where your education and intellegence comes into play. The ability to reflect on your practice has been such a helpful aid in my career. We all learn by our mistakes unfortunatly and when we are constantly learning and improving our care. I so enjoy new grads and students because they always bring something new to the table-so I know you will have a lot to offer. Always ask for help never ever feel stupid because we have all been novices before we became 'expert' and we can easily slip back into novice when faced with a new experience. I have never met a nurse not willing to teach somebody a new task, we all like to show how good we are at something.

Good luck I think you have the right attitude.

Mahage, LPN · Jan 25, 2009

uhh, did you read this,, what do you think..
don't be an eater.
she is good in school but is afraid of the real world of nursing.. that is a good thing.
don't be a eater.

My experience with madwife on this board is that she is NEVER EVER an eater!!! :loveya: She is very supportive of us newbies and has spoken out agains nursing cannabalism on board and in practice. I know and appreciate you are being supportive of the OP and that is okay, but just so you know she has been very helpful in counseling us on dealing with "eaters" and speaks very strongly in favor of experienced nurses responsibility for stopping the behavior. Just wanted to let you know.

Mahage

The fairly new nurse who is 25 with 32 additional years of life experience.

uh_huh? · Mar 9, 2009

Great topic!! :yeah:

chicookie, BSN, RN · Mar 9, 2009

When I talk to people even my own coworkers they always tell my that I am oh so confident and that is sounds like I know what I am doing. WRONG! I am the worst mess on the inside. I always question my judgment even when I am right.

Not to bring you down or anything just because you were awesome at clinical doesn't mean you will be awesome on the floor (at first of course) Its a learning curve and it takes time. I never had a problem at clinical and now that I am on the floor I realize how much I don't know, but you will get there. It just takes time and patience but its not something to be scared about.

diane227, LPN, RN · Mar 11, 2009

I was smart myself, coming out of nursing school but let me tell you that there is ALWAYS something around the corner waiting to bit me in the butt. And it will go on for the rest of your career. You never know everything. I learn something new every day and I have been doing this stuff for 31 years. Do yourself a favor and don't get your nose in the air. Be open and positive so people will help you and teach you. We all need a reference person from time to time.