Almost Rn- But Still Don't Know Anything!

[Christean]

Hi- I will be a new ADN graduate in May. I am very excited to begin my nursing career, but I am terrified at the same time. There are many times in clinicals that I feel inadequate and like I don't know half of the things I should know. I find myself second-guessing my skills and I just don't have the confidence I think I should have. Is there anyone else out there who felt the same way? Will my skills and confidence really come with experience once I begin working?

[gwenith, BSN, RN]

You'll do fine - I would rather have someone a little unsure and asking quesitons than the person who tells me "there is nothing to nursing Cardiac patients - just give out the pills and they will be fine!!"

[cursenurse]

christean, i also will be graduating this summer. dont worry about feeling inadequate, we all feel that way. there is only so much that you can learn in the classroom, the learning really begins when you get a job and learn from all the seasoned nurses that you will work with. even when you become an expereinced nurse there will be times when you won't know something, that's why most units have nursing texts for the staff to refer to. just relax and be confident in your abilities!

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Welcome to the world of nursing. You are not supposed to know everything when you come out. Those feelings you're having are entirely normal so relax. Ask a lot of questions, don't every let anyone make you feel less than because you ask a lot of questions. As Gwenith said, it's the ones who don't ask the questions that scare me.

Good luck. My feeling is you're going to be fabulous!

[Carolanne]

This is such a nice thread, I can certainly relate. I plan to graduate in May - I begin my last course on Monday in the cardiac unit. As the big day gets closer and closer, it is a bag of mixed emotions. I'm excited to finally be done and become employed as a nurse, but I'll be nervous about not having the "crutch" of the school to lean on at clinicals, I'll be "live" and on my own! But I have heard many times that the real learning does begin once you start working, so that is a comfort.

[rpbear]

As A GN who just started her first job 2 weeks ago I can tell you YOU DO KNOW STUFF!! I was amazed at how much I actually know! Durring nursing clinicals you are so freaked out by care plans and the instructor breathing down your neck that you don't even realize how much you know. Ask lots of questions, get a unit with a LONG orrientation, and get a good preceptor (if you don't like them, talk to someone and ask if you can change) ans you will be fine!

Good luck, and congratulations!

[KimRN03]

To continue to elaborate on what everyone else has said....we ALL feel inadequate when we graduate. I am a new grad and feel inadequate a lot, but I'm ok with that. I think as long as you are honest about not knowing how to do everything you will be a GREAT NURSE!! It is those new grads who feel they know everything that scare me. Feel free to ask questions, have preceptors watch you skills and critique you, and just BREATHE! It can be overwhelming knowing that you are completely in charge of the care of a patient, but know that there are others there to help you become a better nurse. Congratulations on your upcoming graduation. Just be present in this moment and look back on your accomplishments! You'll be a great nurse!