Attention use-to-be new grads: when did you feel confident?

Nurses New Nurse

Published

I am a new grad. I graduated in May and took and passed my boards in June. I just started working on the 20th of July. I am working in OB which is my dream job come true. I believe my orientation last 6 months, at least that is how long the girl before me got orientation for. She said she could have been ok on her own after 3 months but really appreciated the additional three. I did a preceptorship in OB my senior year for 300 hrs so I was hoping I would be more confident; its amazing how different hospitals are (I am not at the hospital I precepted at)...I feel like I am starting over, all the paper work is different, they have different protocols, ect...

I was just wondering for all you "use-to-be new grads" out there how long it took for you to feel confident in your job.

Specializes in Mostly LTC, some acute and some ER,.

I've been a nurse now for going on 2 years. There are still times and situations where I am not confident. Mostly in situations where I have not had a lot of experience. There is always the occasional rude comment which does not help very much either, but you've got to let that stuff go. I do feel A LOT more confident than I did in my first year.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in pediatrics, public health.

I'm 9 months into my first job as a nurse. I started to notice that I was feeling much more relaxed and confident that I know what I'm doing and can handle my job about 6 months into it. I have stopped feeling fearful every time I go into work --I actually look forward to my shifts! Of course, I recognize that I still have a lot to learn, but I'm confident of my ability to learn what I need to know. This doesn't mean that I think I can do it all on my own -- one thing that has happened is that I've become much more comfortable asking for help when I need it -- even the experienced nurses need to do that occasionally, and everyone where I work is very good about helping others, especially us newer nurses.

They give you 6 MONTHS of training at your hospital? Lucky you, I'm jealous! I got all of 5 weeks. I kid you not -- 5 weeks. This was not enough, and I would not have survived if it hadn't been for the supportive atmosphere and willingness of other nurses to help a newbie. My first couple of months I stayed to finish up my charting for up to an hour after my shift was done -- though I did always manage one way or another to get all of my patient care done by change of shift.

How long it will take to be confident is a very individual thing, but as others have said, hang it there -- it will come with time!

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am 3 months shy of reaching that one-year mark in nursing. I'm still learning to let go of my nursing school mentality where I feel like every thing has to be perfect and co-workers should be team-oriented. Fact is, nursing can be a brutal profession and it's sink or swim! I learn a little bit more every day.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, Telemetry.

Wait until you turn around one night and with the exception of your charge nurse (who graduated 1 semester ahead of you), you're the most experienced person on the floor and the newbies are asking you questions left and right.

It made me want to scream, "But I'm still new to this, too!"

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds Hem, Onc, Med/Surg.

I'm never really 100% confident. So I just fake it. :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, Cardiac.

At 13 months I'm nowhere near confident. But I am having more good days than bad and I've begun to realize that sometimes a bad day is just a bad day and it's not because I'm a bad nurse.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm about 14 months off orientation now, and about 2 full years after graduation. I guess I don't sweat the small stuff anymore, and feel very confident about handling a typical assignment. I struggle still through the tough days, like anyone else -- but I don't think it's because I'm inexperienced -- it's just that it's hard -- hard for anyone.

But now I don't feel that constantly stressed feeling anymore at all. In fact, I'm almost too lackadaisical in my approach at times and have to prod myself to be more alert and careful.

You quickly learn what is important and what can wait. You get faster at things, and you get to know people -- get to know docs, co-workers, resources. You just get better at the job. But it's still stressful, and you have to constantly put out fires.

The nicest thing is that I feel more comfortable around the co-workers. That has allowed me to relax a lot and to think more clearly. I'd say I actually enjoy my job now most days, unless I am not being treated well by a family member or a manager, or a co-worker.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment