This site has helped me get through nursing school...now I need your help to get though the anxiety of starting a new job. I am so excited about starting this job. It is in a local LTC facility that I did some clinical time in. I get 6 weeks of orientation or more if needed. They are going to work around my school schedule ( I am presently going on for my RN). They pay is good and they are going to give me about 20 to 25 hours a week. My problem is my anxiety. On paper I look great. I was the top of my class, received a few academic awards, perfect attendance, competed with HOSA and was 5th in the nation. Unfortunately, this does not transfer to the workplace. I really struggled though clinicals. My therapist (yes, I see a therapist...please do not judge me ) thinks it is because I expect perfection from myself. This makes sense to me. Obviously, no student, or any nurse for that matter, is going to be perfect. My clinical teachers always said I was doing great. I was just so hard on myself and still am. I can't tell you how many times I almost quit. However, I met some wonderful friends and instructors who basically threatened me not to quit. " We know where you live" they would joke. I love nursing, I love geriatrics, I even like (not love) school. I guess my question is...what is orientation like? I hope they do not expect me to know everything. I mean, you do something a handful of times in school. This does not make me an expert. Help me relieve my anxiety. This site was such a blessing throughout school. Please help me now. No negative comments if at all possible...I can't handle anymore stress. Thank you all. Colleen
Nursing News