Every time I think of my first REAL job as a nurse I get a little scared.

expatnurse · Jul 16, 2005

Thanks for the new forum. I'm a new grad waiting to get NCLEX results. Every time I think of my first REAL job as a nurse I get a little scared. I'm afraid everything I learned is going to go out the window and I'm going to be behind in everything even though when I was doing my preceptorship I was pretty much on my own only going to the primary nurse for minor questions.

I haven't actively started searching for a job because the thought of someone's life in my hands is terrifying. Any thoughts or suggestions on how to conquer this fear?

Thank you in advance.

It is important to remember that you are not alone when you are working. There are many other experienced colleges around you that you can seek advice or help from. Thinking you are alone is the way to get burned out. You are never truly alone. :-) Alexis

melloyelloducky · Jul 16, 2005

Thanks for the new forum. I'm a new grad waiting to get NCLEX results. Every time I think of my first REAL job as a nurse I get a little scared. I'm afraid everything I learned is going to go out the window and I'm going to be behind in everything even though when I was doing my preceptorship I was pretty much on my own only going to the primary nurse for minor questions.

I haven't actively started searching for a job because the thought of someone's life in my hands is terrifying. Any thoughts or suggestions on how to conquer this fear?

Thank you in advance.

I completely understand what you are thinking. I will be starting nursing school in August. I chose my school (the Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences) specifically for this reason. I have always wanted to attend a large old university but when I found out that my school makes every nursing student practice on patient simulators at least 4 hours per week as well as rotating all nursing students at least 8 hours per week in the hospital I immediately thought that this is where I should go. I think that this school will better prepare me for when I finally do get my first real job as a nurse.

I actually replied to your post to try and give you advice but as I said I am still a student so I dont really know what type of advice to give except to not be so afraid and when you need help dont hesitate to ask. This is probably advice i should be giving myself b/c at times I feel like i ask too many questions when it comes to anythink that I second guess myself, or I'm just so nervous that i think everything i think is wrong. lol

Well, sorry if i was of no help. hopefully others can give you better advice. I guess I replied to your post b/c i found myself relating to you.

Luv2BAnurse · Jul 16, 2005

Even after several years of nursing, you will find that you go to co-workers for help, and vice versa. You will be fine, ask for help when you need it. :)

dmg213 · Jul 16, 2005

Thanks to everybody for offering advice on first year nursing. I know I need to have more confidence in myself. I just get scared because in nursing school it seemed like everytime I asked a question my instructors expected me to know the stuff already even though they were there to teach. The nurses for the most part were good at helping out but some of them acted as if they were born nurses and were never students themselves. I just think that everything is going to be a new experience and that I need to be patient with my learning process. I've wanted to be a nurse from the time I was a kid and now I've finally reached my dream!

Thanks again for being so supportive. At least I know I can always turn to you at allnurses.com. :)

TypicalFish · Jul 16, 2005

I know how you are feeling-I start my first job as an RN on Monday. I worked as a CST for 14 years, left the hospital for 5, and now I am back as a RN, but I am still so breathless at the thought of being a nurse for the first time; One of the recruiters told me to give myself 6mos to get acclimated to being a nurse and learning the ropes, then another 6mos to beginto feel comfortable/confident in the role of an RN.

HeleneRN · Jul 16, 2005

I can certainly understand your concerns, but you have to just realize that you have completed your education and are qualified to practice! Don't hold back on looking for a job. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will become. Have faith in yourself....you are not alone. Every hospital's halls have nurses who will be ready to help.

Helene in MA

I haven't actively started searching for a job because the thought of someone's life in my hands is terrifying. Any thoughts or suggestions on how to conquer this fear?

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TypicalFish · Jul 17, 2005

I can certainly understand your concerns, but you have to just realize that you have completed your education and are qualified to practice! Don't hold back on looking for a job. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will become. Have faith in yourself....you are not alone. Every hospital's halls have nurses who will be ready to help.
Helene in MA
Helene-thank you for your kind words of encouragement

dmg213 · Jul 17, 2005

yes, helene. thanks for your words of encouragement. and by the way...i just found out....i passed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :rotfl: :roll i am now an rn. :nurse:

denise, rn

TypicalFish · Jul 17, 2005

yes, helene. thanks for your words of encouragement. and by the way...i just found out....i passed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :rotfl: :roll i am now an rn.

denise, rn

yay!

HeleneRN · Jul 17, 2005

congratulations!! what a relief! when i took the boards, we had to wait two months for the results, and the tests took two days to take!! i'm so glad things have changed! :chuckle

i passed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :rotfl: :roll i am now an rn. :nurse:

denise, rn[/size]