I think I might be a scary nurse

[wish_me_luck]

I read quite a few posts on here from other new grads (I will admit that they are the ones who actually have jobs; I do not have a nursing job) about the anxiety levels.

I PM'd one of my AN buddies on here about this, but then I thought I would ask the masses, too.

I think there must be something wrong with me. I have a little anxiety, but not anywhere close to what I read on here sometimes about new grads. I guess I feel more like I must have known something to pass nursing school and NCLEX. I know textbook world is totally different than real nursing world. I do feel like my school gave me a decent education. I feel like I have a good base knowledge to get me started in the world of nursing. I definitely feel like I will have to learn stuff and will make mistakes.

Does having confidence (with a small amount of anxiety) mean I will be a scary nurse if I ever find a job? It scares me to actually find that I have some confidence in my abilities when I often hear that a nurse without fear/anxiety is a scary nurse...Where is the line drawn exactly?

[Morainey, BSN, RN]

I would say a scary nurse is one who doesn't even know what they don't know, but insists they know everything and can't be told otherwise. Arrogant, in other words. It's ok to admit that you don't have all the answers.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

I didn't get anxiety until I was working as a nurse on my own. I had no way to know what to worry about until I lived it. You can't worry for that which you don't know.

[ShyeoftheTiger]

I haven't even started nursing school yet, but maybe it's a good sign that you're worried about it? :) You know, like parents who are worried about being good (conversely, scary) parents tend to be better parents...

[wish_me_luck, BSN, RN]

Shy, mine is the opposite. I feel like I have enough awareness/anxiety that it's healthy, I don't feel over anxious. But, I have seen quite a few posts on here, especially lately, that new grads are anxious. Then, the reply is that that is good because if they weren't, they would be scary. So, then, I got concerned because I don't have the anxiety level they do and thought "Oh, gosh, I am going to be a scary nurse." I feel somewhat confident that I was given the skills and knowledge to at least get me started and then, go from there--ask questions as they arise. I know some people think that a new grad like that is scary and cocky and it's a turn off.

I just felt like there was something wrong with me. I did feel comforted that others were in the same boat.

Any nurse managers out there? What would you all think if a new grad was like I am? Do you prefer the anxious new grad or do you expect a certain degree of knowing how to do certain things? Would you think a new grad that feels the way I do, is being cocky?

I have been on a couple of interviews and no job offers yet (the results of the second interview is still undecided); I can't decide if it is my approach or if it is simply that I am a new grad and do not have the experience they are looking for.

[RainMom]

I'd be willing to bet that once you land that first job, all that anxiety you're hearing about will be knocking on your door!

[leslie :-D]

but the fact I don't have too much anxiety scares me because of what everyone says about the nurse without anxiety/the one with confidence/know it all and being scary.

i was fine after graduating, i.e., a healthy dose of anxiety but certainly not crippling.

i *think* the "scary" ones are those who are completely cocky (vs confident).

i wouldn't read too much into your lack of enthusiasm now...

and agree it likely has to do with where you are in your job search and feeling discouraged.

let us know when you do get a job.

i'd be willing to bet you'll feel much differently.

leslie

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

Shy, mine is the opposite. I feel like I have enough awareness/anxiety that it's healthy, I don't feel over anxious. But, I have seen quite a few posts on here, especially lately, that new grads are anxious. Then, the reply is that that is good because if they weren't, they would be scary. So, then, I got concerned because I don't have the anxiety level they do and thought "Oh, gosh, I am going to be a scary nurse." I feel somewhat confident that I was given the skills and knowledge to at least get me started and then, go from there--ask questions as they arise. I know some people think that a new grad like that is scary and cocky and it's a turn off.

I just felt like there was something wrong with me. I did feel comforted that others were in the same boat.

Any nurse managers out there? What would you all think if a new grad was like I am? Do you prefer the anxious new grad or do you expect a certain degree of knowing how to do certain things? Would you think a new grad that feels the way I do, is being cocky?

I have been on a couple of interviews and no job offers yet (the results of the second interview is still undecided); I can't decide if it is my approach or if it is simply that I am a new grad and do not have the experience they are looking for.

I had a bit of a smile - and I don't mean at your expense - that you're anxious you're not anxious enough.

You're fine.

I didn't have nail-biting, screaming, cry-every-night, can't-touch-a-patient level anxiety either. I never have. I stressed, but I didn't freak out. I was nervous, but I put on a good game face. If I needed someone else in the room, I told the patient the truth: I was a fairly new nurse and I just wanted someone in here with me to observe. Generally what I heard back from the patients was: "You have to learn too" and "if you don't feel quite ready that's smart" and "that makes a good nurse". If I didn't know the answer I told them why I didn't, and then I went and found the correct answer or even a physician who could answer their questions. That, I figured, was the least I owed them - and what they deserved. I did work in a teaching hospital so they were probably used to new grads from all professions, but essentially what I was told was THIS MAKES YOU A BETTER NURSE than someone who's so cocky they're quite literally dangerous.

You may never have that kind of anxiety. And that's okay. It's not a requirement to freak out. Some of us aren't wired that way. Stop worrying about the lack of overwhelming worry. That's just as bad as the overwhelming worry is on its own.

[KJM-RN, BSN]

I'm a very new grad and although I am slightly nervous to start working, my excitement completely overrides that. I have hardly any anxiety about starting in nursing, I feel prepared to learn and confident I can adapt from school to work efficiently.

As long as you're willing to accept constructive criticism I think it's fine to not be too anxious. I'm just anxious to get my career started! Even though I only graduated a week ago :). Good luck with finding a job, sounds like you're well prepared and ready.

[SaoirseRN]

If you are even worrying about being "scary" my guess would be that you aren't. There's a difference between "over confident" and "confident" (I actually use the term "appropriately confident"). The scary nurses are those who consider themselves infallible and never ask questions because they already know EVERYTHING about nursing.

[FlorenceNtheMachine]

I'd be willing to bet that once you land that first job all that anxiety you're hearing about will be knocking on your door![/quote']

I second this. You don't know until you are there all on your own. And everyone is in their room, and it's just you. Then some anxiety kicks in. Anxiety is good, keeps your mind sharp. Full out panic is not.

In my orientation review some of my coworkers said I knew how to keep calm, and I was great newbie. But I also would tell everyone that everyday I felt like I was letting people down because I didn't know everything. I think people respect those who admit they know what they don't know.

[brandy1017, ASN, RN]

Just because anxiety is a common problem especially as a new nurse doesn't mean its a good thing. I would argue it is a bad thing, anxiety can be crippling and actually impair one's judgement and performance. Consider it a blessing that you don't struggle with it. I never worried about my license like some people here do and like others have pointed out people that get in trouble with their license its usually over alcohol, drugs, not being a bad nurse. The new grad residency program is an excellent idea to give the new nurses support and training thru their first year. Support and team members you can trust and rely on will definitely alleviate the stress and anxiety. But with high patient ratios, understaffing and poor morale a common problem in many hospitals the support is not always there. There are more resources for new nurses now than when I was one, I think the residency program and emergency medical team are very helpful. Now you can look medical questions, meds up on google for instance in a minute. The computerized med scanning decreases the odds of your giving a wrong med. There are a lot more safety measures in place now that should help alleviate the stress and anxiety many new nurses struggle with.

A scary nurse is one that is over confidant and has disrespect and ridicule to the older, experienced nurses. A smart nurse will rely on the experienced nurse who can share important info rather than having to learn trial by fire. I always try to share what I know with new nurses without bragging, just letting them know things come with time and experience. A scary nurse will spend her time showing off and having a clique to hang with rather than taking the job seriously and being open to all the staff. Every nurse and staff member has something to share and offer that will increase your knowledge, don't write people off because of their age, appearance or even their attitude. Keep an open mind and try to get along with everyone and be open to learn as much as possible. Take advantage of seminars and certifications in your specialty.

If anxiety is crippling you consider seeking therapy even self-hypnosis to help you cope better. Usually with time it gets better!

[SNB1014, RN]

You can be confident without being cocky. Learn the difference.

Jay-Z advice! "im not cocky, im confident!"