Going off orientation next week...

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I have been on orientation for three months on a medical surgical telemetry floor. Due to a huge funding issue, my hospital has extended the orientation for two weeks and has not told us when or where or what unit we will be placed. :( I'm so anxious about losing a job I never really had already! But the main point of this topic is...

I am so so scared of being on my own.

I'm so terrified that I will harm a patient or miss something or God forbid kill someone it's causing me to have anxiety attacks. I can hardly think straight anymore because I'm constantly worrying if what I'm doing is right or wrong. My preceptors are saying that I'm doing really well but for some reason I'm still scared.

Any advice or experience to share? I'd really appreciate it. :)

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Check out the "First Year of Nursing" forum under "Career". There are TONS of people who felt like you at first.

Just remember you won't really be on your own. You will be surrounded by other nurses who have more experience than you. Identify those who are helpful, friendly and have good practice and make use of their knowledge. The first nine months or so, given or take, are a bit rocky. Then it starts to smooth out as you watch the next wave of new grads enter in and you start to see how far you have come.

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Remember to always ask questions! Don't be afraid to bring another nurse in the room with you to check out a patient if you aren't sure. The patient and the other nurse will respect you more for it & you'll learn something new!

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Specializes in CICU.

Ask questions. Check twice. Then, check again.

If you have any doubts, ask a more experience nurse to walk in the room and check.

Know the number to call the Rapid Response Team. If you are questioning whether to call it, you should probably call it.

Give yourself at least 18 months to feel as though you know what you are doing.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.
I have been on orientation for three months on a medical surgical telemetry floor. Due to a huge funding issue, my hospital has extended the orientation for two weeks and has not told us when or where or what unit we will be placed. . . .

Hopefully, the organization is not cutting back on nursing positions in which to place the OP & other new grads. This is happening all over the country - lots of downsizing & layoffs. SCARY.

Fingers crossed for the OP.

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