New Grad Nurse = Intense Journey

Nurses Career Support

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Specializes in Pediatric Home Care, Medical/Surgical.

Well, to start off I must say I am blessed.

However::::

I graduated in May of 2013 as an RN. Many people have asked me how my journey has been and how difficult school is compared to actually working in the field. This is how I explain my journey.

School was intense and oh so hard. One has to stay focused on the end goal. I managed to excel during school with a lot of hard work and determination.

Than, came the NCLEX test. That was even harder than school

Than, I was blessed enough to walk into a New Grad position at a local hospital (by the Grace of God I was blessed with this position).

But, I must admit.... Training to be an actual nurse is so different than what school ever trained me to expect.

I am still on orientation. The end is drawing near. I have multiple good days. But, there are some days when I feel that I know absolutely nothing. LOL

My fellow co-workers have been so amazing. I have had amazing preceptors and such a good experience. I still have a great fear of being alone.

Is there anyone on this forum that can share their experiences with me on being a new grad nurse? When does it get better? When does one feel as if they are a fully functioning competent nurse that can utilize each and every aspect of what they learned on how to give wholistic care?

Thanks in advance.

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Specializes in oncology, MS/tele/stepdown.

My orientation is just beginning. I've worked for two weeks and completely agree, this is nothing like nursing school or my externship. I feel like I have a good day and gain some confidence and the next day is so horrible! Someone once said there aren't bad days, just character-building ones, but construction is exhausting lol.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

It got better for me after about 9 months on my own.

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I'm in the same boat! Some days I feel like I know what I am doing and others not so much!

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Specializes in Pediatric Home Care, Medical/Surgical.

Wow. Just checked this and can't believe that it's coming up on a year.

I feel so much more competent now than I did when I originally posted this. It is no joke when people state that it takes a good year before a new nurse actually feels like a nurse. I am thankful for this experience and I can honestly say that I still have ups and downs. I have found myself emotional and excited. Some days I feel like a great nurse and other days I feel as if I could've done something a bit better. However, this is all part of learning. It is possible.

I am so proud of all you new grads and old grads :)

I have learned so much. The one thing that sticks out is that nurses are wonderful people. They are so selfless and work so hard at what they do. Nursing is not an easy job. I never truly understood this while in school. Yes, of course school was hard, but nothing seemed to prepare for the obstacles that a nurse faces once she or he is in the field practicing.

To all of you who commented on this post last year, please comment and give me an update. Would love to know how you are doing now.

May God bless you all

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