Feel like I don't know a thing...

Nursing Students General Students

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Specializes in Oncology.

I have been an AN lurker for awhile but just now made an account. I just started my senior year in nursing school but I feel like I don't know enough and I'm scared to death to graduate! I fear I will get my first job and miss something and cause my patients harm because I wasn't knowledgable enough. There are so many things abnormal lab values can indicate and so many side effects to meds, I'm scared I won't know how to piece things together. I also fear I don't know my patho as well as I should. Does anyone else feel this way?? Advice??

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Specializes in ED.

I think everyone feels that way. I work in the ER and there's so much to learn, I feel like I know next to nothing. And it kind of freaks me out when someone flags me to down to ask a question and my first instinct is to say "let me go find a nurse"....and then I realize, oh crap, I AM the nurse. But you'll find your coworkers are a good resource and a lot of the stuff you just learn as you go.

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That's because in nursing school you learn general info. Once you get an actual job and go through new grad orientation, your education will be more specific to what area you will be working. On orientation, be an active learner. They shouldn't let you off orientation until you have minimal competency in your area. You will need to change your mentality from student to you are "the nurse" by asking questions and making decisions! After a year or two, you will feel much more comfortable doing your job. Good Luck!

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Specializes in NICU.

I am also a senior feeling the same way. I am also worried about skills.. I feel like they aren't emphasized as much as content is in my program and even in clinical we were barely allowed to do anything. I get great feedback from lecture, lab, and clinical, but I still feel completely unskilled! The only comforting thing is reading about hospital orientation, it seems that plenty of learning will happen there!

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

You are normal. I work with new grads in our facility and I was one back in the day. I am glad you are not too self-assured! Employers expect you to be competent not expert. Relax and learn.

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Specializes in Oncology.

I am glad to know that I'm not the only one that feels this way! Thank you all for your replies and reassurance.

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I am also a senior feeling the same way. I am also worried about skills.. I feel like they aren't emphasized as much as content is in my program and even in clinical we were barely allowed to do anything. I get great feedback from lecture, lab, and clinical, but I still feel completely unskilled! The only comforting thing is reading about hospital orientation, it seems that plenty of learning will happen there!

I couldn't have said it any better. I'm in the same boat as you guys. (GULP)

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Specializes in Oncology.

I couldn't have said it any better. I'm in the same boat as you guys. (GULP)

We can do it!!!

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Pathophysiology Made Ridiculously Simple is a great book, btw. Might help boost the confidence a bit. Good luck! :)

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Specializes in Oncology.
Pathophysiology Made Ridiculously Simple is a great book btw. Might help boost the confidence a bit. Good luck! :)[/quote']

Investing in this....thank you!!!

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