best advice for a nervous new grad

[Lauren83338]

I am nervous about venturing out on my own as a nurse. What is your best advice on ways I can become more confident in my skills as a nurse in a few short months? Thanks

[tnbutterfly - Mary, BSN]

Congratulations on being a new grad! It is a bit scary stepping out into the real world.

You might find some helpful information in the First Year After Nursing Licensure forum.

Good luck!

[iNurseUK, RN]

Never be afraid to ask if you are unsure about anything at all. The only stupid questions are the ones folk DON'T ask

Make sure you are familiar with your employer's policies. These vary so if unsure look it up.

Document EVERYTHING...what you did and why. what you didn't do and why.

Don't sweat the small stuff. You have anything even vaguely like an emergency deal with that first. Mrs Smith's ice chips can wait.

If you have a mentor or preceptor make use of them. They are there to help you learn.

Most of all ENJOY it's an exciting time starting your first job and you will never be a new grad again.

All the best to you. Hope it goes great.

[Nursey103, ADN, RN]

OP...I'm gonna be on my own this week too & I'm sooo scared & nervous. I've had this knot in my stomach for the past few days.

Here is to us making it through *wine

[inspired26]

I am going to be holding my own this week as well. I am so nervous about the paperwork and procedures that go along with immunizations. I will be with some very seasoned nurses and I am the only new grad there. This is going to be interesting. I had to think about it and say that these same nurses were once a new grad nurse as well. Just take a deep breath and hold your head up high. Good luck to us all.

[wifeandmomoftwo]

I'm still waiting for my ATT and I'm nervous already. Can't offer advice but you're not alone :)

[kae2010]

I'm also a new grad and start my new job in less than two weeks. The best piece of advice i've gotten so far is from my SIL who is also a newer nurse. She told me "to not be afraid to ask questions about anything even if we think its a 'stupid' question, because the minute you stop asking question is the same time you stop being a good nurse".

I look at it this way; as new grads we CAN'T know everything so the 12 or so weeks of preceptorship is not the time to act like we do. Good luck and know your not alone and at some point all nurses have felt the same way.