Am I ready to graduate?

[spc2010]

I am in my last quarter of nursing clinicals, and graduate this December. This is exciting but at the same time I am terrified!! I haven't done a lot of skills (NG, Trach care), and only had 3 patients for half a day. And this quarter is shortened (6 weeks) because we preceptor the last 2. Well I was looking forward to being more dependent this quarter, and not need my instructor. Well they decided to put me in the other hospital in town that I have never been to, which has all new charting, half paper half computer. All new pumps, all new MAR system. Well so much for being dependent I dunno how to do anything! The staff was not very helpful, and I don't want to ask my instructor to hold my hand the whole time because we are in our last quarter! This makes me wonder if I will get the clinical experience I need before I graduate, and then makes me wonder if I am even ready to graduate. I have heard several times you don't learn anything until you get on the floor, and I am hoping this is true, because I feel like I am starting all over, and know nothing. Any advice??

[itsmejuli]

I have heard several times you don't learn anything until you get on the floor, and I am hoping this is true, because I feel like I am starting all over, and know nothing. Any advice??

This is very true. Read some threads under the New Grad forum.

[RN_BSN09, RN]

I graduated last December and felt the same way. I was so ready to be done with school, but terrified to start as a new nurse. I would recommend applying for a residency or new grad program... but you MUST apply very early! It helps you slowly take on more pts with the help of a preceptor. As far as not performing many skills... there are a ton of skills you won't do in nursing school. Don't worry about not getting to them because you will learn them on the job! I've been a nurse for almost a year now, and there are certain skills I was checked off in school that I still haven't done on a pt (i.e. enemas, NG tubes). Other skills tho, you will use over and over... it just depends on the area of nursing you end up in. It's constant learning... You will be ready. Good luck!!