how long was it

suehp · Jun 6, 2003

Before you felt confidant? I have been in my first job for 6 months and still feel quite nervous and still learning the ropes. My unit is specialist and this week we saw 4 rare cases so we never have 'regular' cases. Today I was told I was to take a final yr student, I said I felt I wasn't ready and it wouldn't be fair to the student or me as I couldn't give her the learning experience she needed. I was told you'd be 'fine'.

I wasn't I have never felt so inadequate in all my life. Quite rightly so she was asking me questions I couldn't answer very well. (The conditions we get sometimes have no name) By the end of the day I was questioning myself and wandering if I'll ever know this stuff, and basically I felt so shit. I'm wondering if I should get a job on a general medical ward as I also feel im becoming de-skilled as we don't see regular stuff and do the regular things do I make sense?

__________________

If you were honest with this Student about the fact you are still relatively new to the Unit, then dont beat yourself up about it.

You will get to know "Stuff", but it all takes time, and we all learn something new every day. To be honest if I came to your unit I wouldnt have the foggiest - I have been a Manager of a Nursing Home for 10 yrs and worked in a Stroke Rehab Unit for nearly 4 yrs prior to that. I bet you know more what goes on there than you give yourself credit for.

What you need to do is learn from this "experience" and develope yourself. What would you need to do if this was asked of you again in a couple of weeks time? Perhaps the Manager(or whoever asked you to do this) thought you were more than capable, and you are the one doubting yourself?

We are all over-critical of ourselves at times I think. If you feel it is time to move on then do so, but re-evaluate your situation first.

Sue

karenG · Jun 6, 2003

how long............. well sometimes I still worry that I will get it wrong! and I qualified 21yrs ago!! probably not the answer you wanted!! I think its the nature of nursing- there will be areas where you think- I can do this! and areas where you think - oh help!! its all about knowing your limitations. you'll be fine!!

Karen

Mira · Jun 7, 2003

brilliant words from SueIP and KarenG.

As for myself I assess my limitations and accept whatever are my weaknesses.I don`t think the student will expect too much from you if you are just honest to her but if you pretend you know it all,you will end up like a headless chicken to her because she will find out.Don`t be too hard on yourself,not because they assigned you a student they`re expecting you can deliver all the learning needs of the student,they might just want you to teach the student what you have learned or the basics.Take the assignment as a challenge,you will learn from both ways.Goodluck.

Spaniel gal · Jun 7, 2003

thanks all for you kind words of advice

im still wondering if i should go on to a general medical ward, i have applied to do bank at a hospital 10mins away from me. my current job takes me 40 mins to get there. i thought my job was my niche (sp) but im not so sure.