Bored or scared...Maybe Both

[Shastalee99]

Hello Fellow Nurses,

I graduated May 13th and start orientation (Med/Surg) on the 12th of June. Since I graduated, I took a break and caught up on things for my photography business I have on the side (in my spare time lol). New York State Dept. of Education cashed my first check for the boards so I know they'll send out the schedule for me to sit for them. Problem is, I don't know where to begin, how to get motivated or even get up sometimes. I hate to say it but I feel lost without nursing school now. I miss my classmates, I miss clinical. I felt so confident in clinical and had a good time. I'm afraid I won't measure up during orientation. I'm afraid I'll hate working nights (6:30p-7:30a) and won't get used to the hours especially when I sit for the boards. I'm afraid the nurses will treat me like fresh meat and have little clicks. I've heard so many horror stories from new grads. I thought this anxiety of failure would've been over when I graduated but it's still there. What if I fail the NCLEX? What if this, what if that? I was watching House the other night and thought to myself, "What if I screw up giving CPR to someone? Wait, how many rescue breaths to compressions?" I starting to freak out and the thought of studying maternity and endocrine make me want to channel surf rather than get the past 2 years of books out to study all over again.

I'm hoping for some words of wisdom or encouragment. A kick in the rump may even do the trick. If anyone can empathize please reply. Thanks a bunch everyone! Take care.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Actually ... you sound pretty healthy to me. You recognize where all your anxieties come from and you know what you have to do. You have to "just get on with it." Face your fears and try. There is no way to avoid that -- and I don't hear you trying to run away.

It won't be easy, but I suspect you will do just fine handling whatever difficulties comes your way. As you well know, there will be some difficulties. The transition from student to staff nurse is almost never easy. You sound prepared to meet the challenges -- and my many years of experience have taught me that being prepared is the most important thing.

Let us here on allnurses.com help you with whatever "bumps in the road" come your way and you'll do just fine. You may even be able to find some satisfaction (and enjoyment) in meeting the challenge of establishing yourself as a professional nurse.

Take care,

llg

[NewRN06]

Hello Shastalee99,

I'm in the same boat. I graduated Dec, passed NCLEX March, got a job 2 weeks ago. I start my orientation tomorrow. I feel nervous, inadequate...anxious. I feel the same way you do.

I'm going to work in women's surgical unit, 3 - 12 hour days. I'm fearful of IVs. Of course, I've never done one in school, so that's where the anxiety comes from. I just hope to survive and not anger too many veteran nurses, MDs. I guess we are fresh meat until we earn up our time/experience on the job.

I felt the same way before I passed the NCLEX. I did about 4,500 questions. And, my friend recommended the 3 week course made by the writers of the NCLEX (www.learningext.com). I thought that was a helpful refresher for $50. I made myself do questions M-F and weekends off. I know it's hard to be motivated but when you prepare...you'll feel the stress roll off your shoulders.

Take Care.

[MIA-RN1, RN]

I went thru a similar couple weeks when school ended. I started orientation yesterday. The support I am receiving from the hospital in terms of training is really wonderful and I have not met any nurse that has been anything other than nice and encouraging. We did mock codes today, if that makes you feel better about remembering cpr. It really is like riding a bike. Remember you are a graduate nurse and they don't expect you to be perfect.

Instead of getting out your textbooks, why not get a nice review book instead? I use Saunders and it rocks.

[Adria, RN]

I graduated in August and passed my boards in October. I'm still waiting for the licencese...NJ BON is verrry slow!!!! I have not went to any interviews yet but I feel the same anxiety and fear you describe here. I just keep telling myself I am strong, I will get through it, the more I practice the better I will get, and that I am not expected to know everything right now. I rationalize a lot to get rid of the negative thoughts...and I also have a great brother and mom that listen to me and offer encouragement...that helps a whole bunch! Good luck to you and stay strong!