Brand New Nurse Stress

[ireum]

Anyone have advice for a new grad, no hospital experience, on a new floor as a medsurg ortho nurse?

Really feeling out of place and overwhelmed, to the point where my anxieties take over on my days off too. I'm unable to sleep well, and just feel anxious during most of my waking moments.

I feel on edge all the time now, even on my own time.

The floor is busy, and I have lots to learn but it just seems so impossible to ever feel comfortable.

I'm afraid my anxiety and depression will get the best of me. Never been this stressed even during nursing school.

It's only been a few weeks but I'm already exhausted of these constant feelings. I feel like the life is getting sucked out of me.

I feel like a chicken without its head running around trying to get things done.Like I cannot ever catch up, always behind during my shift.

Staff and coworkers are all nice, supportive and incredibly understanding. I'm very thankful for that and I know I'm very lucky to work with such great people.

Just need something to hold on to to keep sane during this turbulent transition period, I guess.

I wanted to "nip it at the bud" so to speak, and not wait until I find myself in the middle of a full meltdown.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

First of all, what you are experiencing is likely the reality shock of transitioning from student to licensed nurse. It's going to take about a year to feel comfortable- that's why so many strongly don't recommend changing jobs for at least 1 but preferably 2 years. Head on over to the first year after licensure forum under the career tab and browse through the articles and FAQs- you will likely find some helpful tidbits there.