Discouraged New Grad

[m_n_b_96]

I recently graduated from nursing school. I'll be taking the NCLEX in June. I'm the youngest in my class (22). It seems that most of my classmates have jobs and a the others have better experience as me. It doesn't help that I have a particular, obnoxious classmate who constantly brags and seeks constant admiration from others. He debases my intelligence, places I want to work, and other things. He's even inferred that I don't belong at that school and would've been better off at one of the "lesser" schools. He's had so much more experience (worked in ED) than me, and he always does really well on exams. He's gotten a job in critical care, and I'm tired of hearing him rub it in my face. I can't help but feel envious of what a smart *** he is. I wish I had that experience so I can be more knowledgeable and understand things the way he does. I find myself comparing myself to him and start to believe his words. Even one of the nurses I worked with during clinical said that I "wasn't ready." I'm starting to believe that I'm not cut out for this, nor am I smart enough otherwise I would have a job already.

I've just been feeling real discouraged and frustrated with my situation. I wanted some advice from nurses who've felt this way before or what I should to deal with this. Thank you all so much, it's been a long while since I've been on here. Started as a CNA and now here I am posting about new grad problems. Life is crazy

[MiladyMalarkey, ASN, BSN]

The day will come when this classmate, who will be a new nurse, gets cocky with the wrong veteran nurse, a doc or even the wrong type of patient & the school of hard knocks will give him a very hard lesson in humility.

Also, forget that guy. Don't concern yourself with someone so wholly irrelevant & useless to you. Last you reported, I believe both you & him graduated the same program.

[Oldmahubbard]

Many years ago, I went to school with a couple of people who thought they were the greatest thing to ever happen to nursing. Who knows where they are now.

It's one thing to be positive, and another thing to be overconfident.

Always remember, there are many different types of nursing, and we've all been made a little differently for a reason.

[Bloop41, BSN, RN]

I'm just about to start nursing school, so I can't really offer any job advice. However!! I would absolutely advocate for not talking to this jerk anymore. If you've graduated and don't need to see him for study group or whatever, delete his number/unfriend on Facebook, etc. He doesn't have any reason to be checking up on your grades or job prospects and his flaunting is not something you should be subjected to. Good luck and congrats on your graduation!

[ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP]

Don't worry, OP. People like your arrogant classmate will be eaten alive on the floor real quickly, either by a superior nurse or a doctor. And he will get it severely.

[subee, MSN, CRNA]

15 hours ago, m_n_b_96 said:

I forgot to mention his experience, he’s worked a psych tech in the ED and claims to have “basically done everything the nurses do minus IV meds” that’s the only “difference” and he’s basically ready to work as an RN

It doesn't matter what his experience is because it's not about HIM; it's about YOU letting him though your a-hole boundary. Just feel sorry for him because he's such an insecure hot mess and respect your personal space. There shouldn't be room in there for anyone to squeeze into your self esteem like that...he's the jerk, not you. But comeuppance will come soon Grasshopper.

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

11 hours ago, Oldmahubbard said:

Many years ago, I went to school with a couple of people who thought they were the greatest thing to ever happen to nursing. Who knows where they are now.

It's one thing to be positive, and another thing to be overconfident.

Always remember, there are many different types of nursing, and we've all been made a little differently for a reason.

I love you a million times for saying this!