New Grad Nurse Support/Survival

Nurses Stress 101

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Hey guys, I am a new grad nurse working on a Cardiac Tele unit after 8 weeks of orientation. I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed. I just wanted to start a conversation with other new graduates about what they are going through, how they are coping and what is working for them.

Personally I'm struggling to eat regularly, sleeping too much (strangely) and not making it to the gym.

I want to do more to take care of myself but I'm not sure where to even start (and that's coming from someone who is usually pretty good at self-care!)

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

You may have better luck finding the other newbie nurses under the Career section, which has a board specifically for the First Year After Licensure.

Good luck!

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I am a new grad as well. I'm 7 months into being a nurse on a stepdown unit. And I'm not going to lie. It is starting to burn me out. Do not get me wrong. I have learned quite a bit with the various patients I've had, so I am enjoying the experience. However, the staffing issue is quite bad. I have had to take on 5 patients (normal is 4, 3 if you get drips) recently, and I have been coming home tired and extremely sore. So, my sleep schedule is all over the place. And my eating habits have changed for the worse. I am getting more confident in my abilities, though, so not all is bad.

I have learned to cope during work by taking small 2-5 minute breaks when ever I am extremely anxious or just need to get away from the hecticness of the floor. And before I start my shift, I go to a private area and make a mental plan of how to tackle each task I have to do.

Then, on my days off, I spend time with my friends, and just unwind by playing video games. I also treat myself with some good food. I basically reward myself for progressing as a new nurse, regardless of how it goes. I always tell myself that as long as my patients are breathing and not bleeding, I am satisfied. I may get ran ragged, I may have to endure attitudes from patients, family members, other nurses, etc., but I did the best I could with what I have.

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