I am a recent BSN graduate and just took and passed my NCLEX last week. I started in the ER about three weeks ago, and I'm finding the learning curve quite steep. I did nearly 300 clinical hours my last semester on an inpatient floor, and really became acclimated to that type of nursing (although I didn't care for it). It goes without saying, but the ER is SUCH a different place...everything from the medications to the focused assesments and charting. I'm not a stupid person, but each day I work I find a dozen more things that I don't know.
Everyone in the department has been awesome and helpful, but I'm beginning to dread going in because I will more than likely make myself look like a dumbass before the day is over.
1. 16 week orientation; that's terrific, if you ask me.
2. A new grad hired in an ER? That's a compliment, IMO. The nurse manager sees good things in you, and that's why you were hired!
3. Supportive co-workers..excellent! Remember, everyone who works there was once in your shoes, and, I am certain, felt the same way you are feeling now.
4. Think of all the knowledge you will acquire from patient situations that are presented to you. You will certainly gain astute assessment skills.
5. Buy an ER Nursing text; it is always good to have a reliable textbook that focuses in on ER nursing.
6. Take time for yourself, and be gentle on yourself!
I second getting a text book. And join the AACN or ENA so you can get journals to keep up to date.
Ive been on my own for I think 3 or 4 months now and the first 2 months were horrible. I felt bad all the time, felt like I was making all these mistakes, and felt dumb all the time. Now the mistakes are happening less often, but when they do Im used to it and dont beat myself up as much.
Just know that you will gradually feel better over time.
Obviously you're not stupid if you graduated from nursing school..that alone deserves a pat on the back. You'll feel better with time... they say it takes at least one year before a nurse becomes competent and that's how long it took me to feel comfortable. Remember to always ask questions if you're not certain about something...better to feel stupid than to hurt a patient.
We had our first sit down with the people in charge of the intern program, and I was a nervous wreck because I had no clue as to how I was progressing. They told me that I was doing better than anyone else in the program (25 people) and I had surpassed their expectations of new grads at this point. I was thrilled and I feel so much better...I hope I can keep it up
Soooo glad someone finally asked this question!!!! I haven't started working yet...am actually taking my NCLEX next week, but I constantly felt this way during my internship! Totally sympathize with you! Don't worry though, you'll get the hang of it sooner than you think!
I'm a new RN working in the Surgical ICU at Vanderbilt. I started their Critical Care Residency Program for new grads back in February 2011. I've been on my own for almost 3 weeks, and I hear what you're saying, some days you feel pretty stupid. But I think this is common for nearly every nurse. Almost everyone with experience with whom I've talked says they all felt scared and stupid when starting. I got straight A's in nursing school, but doing it for real is a different ballgame.
I really think you do all your learning once you're out on your own. Orientation and preceptorships are nice, but you really don't start to put it all together until you're flying solo, in my opinion. I have learned so much in the last 2 weeks of being by myself. Sometimes my self-confidence is shaky, but I have to keep telling myself that I'm brand new, am trying to work in the ICU straight out of school without a year of med/surg and face a steep learning curve. That's what my residency is for, a year-long support system for me to transition from student to functioning clinician.
I just want to echo what everyone else is saying, in that with time you'll get better and better. The fact that you WANT to be better says a lot, too. Good luck.
I am a relatively new grad working on a Surgical Unit at a 270 bed hospital. Been on that unit for the past year since graduation. I sure know what you mean about feeling dumb. Graduation from a nursing program is a feather in your cap and danged hard work, but is just a start on being a great nurse. I still have lots of times when I feel totally ignorant, like when a patient starts to crump and you have a room full of Rapid Response people and doctors running at full speed. Its just overwhelming sometimes. Thing is you got a basic skill level in school, your learning will continue as long as you are a nurse. I am getting to the point I feel like I have half an idea of what is going on, but I get good comments from patients, patients occasionally request me as their nurse and I am able to sometimes help newer nurses with a procedure, problem patient or documentation. As said before, take it easy on yourself, you'll do great because you care and thats half the battle. A senior RRT nurse gave me some great information when he told me to get through the tough situation, find a quiet corner to spend a couple of minutes in review and refocus, drink some cold water and get back to work........Its tough on everyone some times, experience comes with ......experience. Take a deep breath, remember why you started nursing and stick to it, you'll do great. Good luck
That totally "stupid" feeling should go away in about 4 months. My preceptor said that and she was dead on. That said, something makes me feel stupid almost every day. I keep wondering when I am going to be as smart as the other nurses and that will be never because they all have years of experience on me. However, you will get more competent every day and when there's a new nurse on the floor you will realize just how much you do know. Hang in there.
I was going to ask the same question tonight. I've almost finished week 11 of my 3-month intensive orientation on the PACU, and as a new grad the learning curve is steep. Today, though, was the first day I came home really stupid, discouraged, and scared. Like someone above posted, I just felt all day like I was not "getting" something about the patients (when I wasn't getting overwhelmed with weird tasks we don't do very often). I also graduated nursing school with a 4.0, but that doesn't mean diddly compared to learning on the job. I don't want to feel this way; people have said that being scared and thinking everything is a crisis is better than thinking nothing is a crisis, but I can't be worried all the time!
Most days are pretty good, but I do have to learn something new with almost every patient, and sometimes I just feel like I should have known it already. In the ED and PACU (heck, just about anywhere in the hospital), the margin for error is pretty small. I have no words of wisdom, but right now I'm going to bed early so I'll get up rested and ready to go back in tomorrow. I love my patients, and I strive every minute to do the best job I can do, but sometimes my best doesn't feel good enough for what they need...
LETRN
194 Posts
Thank you :redpinkhe