Question for everyone..

Nurses General Nursing

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I am a new nurse, I have been out of orientation a little over a month here, I have good days and bad days.. But everyday on my ride home I can't help but think to myself.. Wow There's a lot of things I do not know, I feel like I'm never going to get it. Anyone else feel like this? Does it go away?

Specializes in ORTHO, PCU, ED.

Yes it will go away. New grad days are scary. It takes about a good year + to really feel like you are comfortable with your unit. Certain tasks like IVs...they may take 2-3 years before youre really starting to get it on the first try!! Hang in there. It will get better.

I am a new nurse, I have been out of orientation a little over a month here, I have good days and bad days.. But everyday on my ride home I can't help but think to myself.. Wow There's a lot of things I do not know, I feel like I'm never going to get it. Anyone else feel like this? Does it go away?

That's pretty normal. It's supposed to take about 2 years to feel OK and about 7 to feel competent. If you're not actually crying on the way home, then you're doing better than some people.

Oh yeah.. Most nurses feel this way. Shoot even if you have been a nurse for many years - if you transfer to a brand new specialty or type of nursing you can get that same sort of doubt. You will get the hang of it. When in doubt ask for help.

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
There's a lot of things I do not know, I feel like I'm never going to get it. Anyone else feel like this? Does it go away?
If this will be reassuring to you, I've been a nurse for almost 10 years and there's still many things I do not know. I'll never know it all and I'm fine with this reality.

You'll be fine. Just keep learning and asking questions when you are unsure. Good luck!

I did a critical care internship right out of school. I literally felt sick to my stomach on the way to work every single day for about a year.

Yep, a whole year.

And no, you'll never know it all. If you ever think you do, please slap yourself. :D You will eventually feel competent and confident and comfortable.

Good luck, and hang in there.

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