New Nurse Jitters

Nurses General Nursing

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I don't know why I'm posting this as I'm sure everyone goes through what I'm feeling. I guess I just need to hear from others about their experience and maybe get a little advice. I graduated a month ago and have yet to sit for my boards. After some much needed rest I wish to start working but am unsure what is in store for me. Lots of jobs for new grad's here, that's not the problem. I wanted to go into a specialty area but was told, during my last semester, that I should go to med surg as I really don't have the clinical skills I need. I'm ok with that as I want the best experience and am willing to wait a year before going to the ER. It's just that the med surg units in my area seem to be staffing at a ratio of 8 to 10 patients, days, and 12 nights. New grads get nights! My sister inlaw is a DON in another state and says that sounds horrendous and no wonder there is such a shortage. I know you guys are going to tell me "Join the real world, this is what it's all about!" but, I want to know how you get through this in your first year. I'm a little angry at my college as they only gave us one day a week clinicals (we were LPN's....but I was the one who had never worked, just went from school to school) and I don't feel prepared.

Ok, long post I know, but, I just needed to vent my fears and frustration. Can anyone relate? Also, if given the choice, as I am, would you do 12 hour shifts or 8 considering your first year?

Thanks!

This hospital I am working for does pay a little less than some of the other ones, but like you I am choosing which environment will make me a better nurse--I can always ask for more money later---once I feel I deserve it, you know??

I wish you all the best in your job hunting! I will let you know when I find out about boards..........:confused:

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DougRN, I went through the same type of program. I had been an LPN for 10 years and went back for the Year of Torture. It was so hard! BUT- I have been working in MED/SURG for 2 months- I started before I got my RN boards- and feel that this is THE place to get those skills we will need in the years to come. I was scared at first too, I thought I didn't know anything- but you will be surprised at the knowledge you carry within.

Don't worry, you will be fine= now, as a freind said to me- Go forth and conquer!

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I am completely feeling the same way. I graduated almost a year ago. I had my first nursing job as an RN on the night shift and had 12 patients. I only had one month of orientation (and I was not even working 5 days a week!) I had to quit! I was not getting any sleep, nor was I learning anything in that enviornment. My preceptor did not show me anything, I kept asking tons of questions and just got a lot of eye rolling. I worked there only 3 months...

I am starting my second nursing job soon. I will also be working on a med surg unit. This time 12-hr days so at least I will be awake but for I am so anxious about starting again. I will have 9 patients on day shift. How do you handle this when you are still learning? I have excellent organization, BUT still need help doing IV's etc as well.

I have a BSN, barely got any clinical time (3 days a week for only 1 year) but most of it was in public health. I also worked on a tele unit for 2 years as a assistant which helped quite a bit BUT how do you deal with the transition? With the other nurses so tight for time themselves, how am I supposed to learn and get help when I need it?

It is obvious to me why there is such a shortage. I love nursing, at least from the experience from living in other parts of the country. Speaking of that, CA pays good in all other counties BUT san diego county. Can someone please explain this to me? People are getting bonus and BETTER pay in small town WI where the ration is 4/5-1 on a med shurg floor!

Thanks for the encouraging words though =) I know I'll make it through and promise myself I will NEVER treat other nurses the way I was treated in that first job of mine!

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gosh, after reading all these posts about patient ratios and crappy orientation, i thank my lucky stars to be where i am now with a full six months of orientation!! all you experienced med surg nurses out there, i know you are scrambling if you have 10 pts on day shift! remember back to when you were a new grad---do you really think you could have handled it with only a month of orientation? even if you have worked while in nursing school as a tech, i really don't feel 4 weeks is anywhere near enough time. especially if your preceptor is scrambling with her own assignment and no time to teach you diddly.

i have one word for all of us newbiesmalpractice insurance!! :eek: (ok two words)

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I think this has been a good question and it brings up much for all new grads to think about.

First, have your questions ready and well-thought out for your interviews...on paper if you have to!!! YOU are in demand and many will meet your requests (ie orientation time).

Second, this much interest (your being prepared to ask ?'s) should...I say... should impress a prospective employer.

Third, I think anyone considering ER should have at least some medsurg experience before going...ICU is good if they offer to new grads w/a decent orientation.

Finally, look around at plenty of jobs/hospitals...interview w/more than one area/manager if you're interested. You may be a better fit in a certain area of the hospital. Ask to see the floor, if they do not offer to take you, you may find more ?'s to ask. This is YOUR potential workplace and it should not be a problem.

Good luck all!:D

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I started in the Neonatal ICU and had four and half months orientation and my preceptor was terrific. And she has turned out to be a great mentor now. A half a month of orientation may sound strange but I asked for two more weeks because we had a really sick premie and I wanted to take care of it and I knew they wouldn;t give it to me right off orientation so I stayed with my preceptor and I got to do everything with her watchful eye.

BEST OF LUCK TO ALL YOU NEW GRADS!!!!!

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Specializes in ER, PACU, OR.

i am not going to babble on here, and waste your reading time. if you want er, screw med-surg and go for it! i did that when i graduated 5 years ago.....and am still there....and it's fine.....don't be persuaded or influenced by anybody else! if your confident in going right there do it........if your not then don't. everybody is different.....and has had different experiences......do whats right for you. if you go to er or critical care.......just don't throw in the towel too soon.......it can be frustrating the first year or so. :)

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It would seem that I'm not alone and I want to thank everyone for their insightful replies. I think I'm on the right track by going to med/surg first. I know there are some that have gone right into a specialty area from school and I commend them for it. While in school I thought I knew where I wanted to go on a number of occasions. First it was NICU. After 10+ years of volunteering with Hospice I thought it would be great to switch to trying to make a difference in a little life that was just beginning. I was even offered an internship there. Then after spending some time in ICU I thought that I belonged there, too. Then came my ER rotation where I had such a positive experience and was able to work closely with some realy great ER RN's.

But, now I feel that after a year of med surg I will be able to decide more clearly where my niche is. That could change again! I'm very excited (and nervous, aprehensive,.....et al) about my new career choice to become an RN. I know that one of the exciting things about this career is that we can switch around to many different areas if we feel the drive to do so.

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Reading all the posts about med/surg ratios, I guess I had a good reason for leaving nursing. 2 years ago, I had 12 patients on days, sometimes 13. To say that some patients got no care would be a major understatement.

Maybe I just live in the wrong part of the country. :)

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