Does anyone else feel weirdly unexcited?

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Specializes in L&D.

I am in a bit of a funk and am wondering if this is typical for new grads. I graduated and passed the nclex, I have a job I really like and feel I'm getting better at with every shift. I like my coworkers and they seem to like me. I should be over the moon but I'm just not. I almost feel let down and am not sure why. Maybe it's because I don't have anything huge I'm working on with an end goal at the moment? I want to get truly good at my job, of course, but I do know that it will come with time and there is always room for improvement and new information to learn, so there's not a finish line for that goal.

Anyone else not quite sure what to think or feel as a new RN?

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Yes, I can relate. In school, we worked so hard all semester, and then we were rewarded with good grades. Now, there is no recognition or even feedback on how I'm doing. It helps when patients tell me I'm doing a good job, though.

I guess I will just have to go back to school! :p

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

Yeah, it really is quite a let down....now there is nobody to grade us, tell us what we're doing, etc. It's the real-world....sometimes it can feel like we've been going with direction for so long, you just feel rudderless without someone pushing you. I know that between 2-3 of my friends, we are pushing each other to accomplish other things outside of school. Weddings, boy/girlfriends, social lives, family problems, etc. Just cause we graduated does not mean that friendship is over....

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Specializes in med/surg.

Hey I know exactly how you feel. Remember how in school they taught us about transitions, well you're smack dab in the middle of one now. I've been working for almost 6 months now & I felt just like you in the begining... I almost didn't know what to do with myself & now in the last 2 months or so I've actually become okay with downtime. I have also started doing things for myself... it takes time but you'll adjust to your new role... good luck & congrats!!!!

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Yes. I totally feel this. No grades anymore -- and our managers just NEVER seem to pass on any positive anything to any of us -- it's pretty bad, IMO.

And now I see what nursing can be at times, which is huge paperwork chase all day -- and it's extremely disappointing. I just had no idea it would be like this, including the stress and the patient load. They just dont' prepare you in any way for this.

There have been some positives, though -- it's not all bad -- it's just that first year shock thing.

But, as you say, it's now a time for me to start focusing on things at home with my family, and with myself also. I'm starting to get back into shape again, losing weight -- concentrating on myself again and family. It's nice in some ways.

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Specializes in L&D.

Thank you, it's nice to know I'm not the only one feeling a little let down. It's not the job really, it's just a weird experience after being in school for four years! It is definitely a huge transition.

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Specializes in ICU.

I too, feel the post grad depression and in part mine is from that fact that the very close friendships I made in nursing school that I want to continue, are becoming more difficult to keep up with. we are all moving in different directions and although we managed to all 4 get jobs at the same hospital we are in different dept. and work different shifts. I miss them alot I am used to seeing them everyday. Also, I know that I graduated, and I am with my preceptor but for the most part, I feel like I know NOTHING!! It really is a big adjustment. Now that nclex is over, thank goodness, it's true, we accomplished what we set out to do, now what? I am totally grateful and completely estatic, but let down and having a hard time adjusting too.

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Specializes in L&D.
Also, I know that I graduated, and I am with my preceptor but for the most part, I feel like I know NOTHING!!

Oh man, do I ever feel clueless sometimes. I admit that it's getting better, but it is stressful. I'm glad I'm not the only one.

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Specializes in Med Surg, Ortho.

Oh yeah....glad to hear I'm not the only one. Nursing is NOT what I thought it'd be. Way too much paper work, too many pts to care for....just STRESS period! And DEFINTELY NOT ENUF PAY!!!!

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I’m feeling the same..... I started one graduate programme only to feel board and not given the opportunities to learn (private hospital) and not happy with my initial expectations therefore I resigned.

I was offered another graduate year at a public hospital the same week, which I do enjoy.

I must be learning heaps as the days seem to be getting easier but feel like I know nothing other than general nursing care. I have been given multitudes of learning packages to complete by my first rotation…All I can do is lower my expectations and do my best.

I have my 6 week assessment coming up which I am nervous about the girls doing it are such perfectionists!!!!!

good luck everyone

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