Normal to feel so stupid?

MissERN · Sep 16, 2009

Hang in there Virgo! When you are a new nurse there are SOOOO many new things to learn, and it takes a while before you begin to feel comfortable. As far as the mistakes go, as long as you are human, you will continue to make them...yes, it's still upsetting when I make a mistake, but it happens. I remember feeling VERY slow and quite inadequate when I was new...it does get better! Have you considered having a talk with your preceptor to see how he/she feels you are doing? They might be able to give some helpful feedback on your strengths/weaknesses. I wish you the best and congratulations!

Emery · Sep 16, 2009

I have also been on orientation for almost two weeks now. Every day I feel like I'm starting over because there are new patients with new sets of problems and drugs and all that. I have only had 1-2 patients by myself. I feel incredibly slow and feel like I should know more of what I'm doing. :imbar I'm scared to death to think that in a few months I'll have a whole team to myself! AH!!! I just keep slowing learning all these new things and definitely learning from my mistakes (which have also cause no one harm!!). I'm so thankful for an awesome preceptor!!!! :yeah:

SpringerCab · Sep 16, 2009

When I have been a preceptor I try to tell the brand new nurse or new nurse to my hospital that it will take 3 - 6 months to feel comfortable with what they are doing. I think it is normal to feel the way your are feeling. One nurse that I oriented would be so upset when she went home each night she thought of quitting. She stayed with it though and now 18 years later she is confident, a good nurse, and is going back to school to get her RN. Just hang in there and it will come in time. Mistakes happen, just make sure you learn something from them so hopefully it won't happen again.

gardengal1, ASN, RN · Sep 16, 2009

I remember my first weeks and feeling exactly as you are but with no preceptor - I was on my own in a very small, rural ER. It took me about 2 years to become a confident ER nurse, believing in my skills and critical thinking. You're on the right track - just keep pushing forward, learn from the mistakes and don't repeat them and soon, you will probably be an awesome ER nurse.

NightNurseRN · Sep 16, 2009

Yep sounds like youre right on track!!

SDA3694 · Sep 16, 2009

OHH my gosh I am so glad to hear this....I've been on orientation for about 4 days in the ER ...I feel like I know nothing. I can barely get an IV started, cannot remember ANY drugs, cant read the md orders, feel like I depend on my preceptor to tell me everything...I just feel like I am NEVER going to get it. I just keep praying and hopefully things will change and it really stinks when you "feel" like things that you do are being talked about when you're not around not to mention im having trouble with charting...so this has to make you feel better you couldnt possibly be doing any worse than I am right now

Virgo_RN, BSN, RN · Sep 17, 2009

I transferred to the ED, not a new nurse, just a new ED nurse. It's a different world from the floor! But I still feel like I should be getting it faster, since I'm not totally green as a nurse.

roser13, ASN, RN · Sep 17, 2009

It's called 'Oriientation' for a reason!

gardengal1, ASN, RN · Sep 17, 2009

Remember - IV skills come with lots of practice and time, most of your patients will be given the same drugs over and over so you will begin to remember them soon. Just keep telling yourself each day will be better (and, eventually it will).

Student2Registered · Sep 17, 2009

Sounds like you are right where you should be...I just finished my orientation and let me tell you there have been good days and bad. The good days almost scare me now b/c the next one's bound to be a bad day. Hang in there, I hear this is how it's supposed to be.

springfieldrn · Sep 17, 2009

Yes! It took me about 6months to feel even a little confidence in my skills, I questioned it all. I think that's part of what goes into making a good nurse. You will never "know it all" but you will build confidence and skill with every passing shift. The dumb question is the one not asked. It takes a brave soul to do what we do, hang in there.