Feel like I don't know anything

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I'm almost finished with nursing school, and although I've done very well throughout, I feel like I don't know much. Is that a normal feeling?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

What type of nursing program are you currently attending? This is the post-graduate forum. The term 'post-graduate student' refers to one who is attaining education beyond the baccalaureate (BA or BS) degree level, such as the MSN, PhD, and so forth.

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What type of nursing program are you currently attending? This is the post-graduate forum. The term 'post-graduate student' refers to one who is attaining education beyond the baccalaureate (BA or BS) degree level, such as the MSN, PhD, and so forth.

Oops only part that showed on my phone was post graduate student and I misinterpreted it

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Oops only part that showed on my phone was post graduate student and I misinterpreted it
No problem! Your post has been moved into a more appropriate forum.

And yes, it is normal for some people to feel like they do not know much. In fact, the majority of learning will happen during your first year of actually working as a nurse.

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Specializes in critical care.
I'm almost finished with nursing school, and although I've done very well throughout, I feel like I don't know much. Is that a normal feeling?

It is definitely a normal feeling, and you'll feel it far worse when you're on your first job. On the other hand, you will have days when you get pleasantly surprised by how much you remember. Nursing has by far been the most humbling experience of my life. When others see that I am frustrated, they'll sometimes remind me that I just graduated in May so I shouldn't expect so much of myself. But it's still very frustrating. Hang in there and know you are in good company. Just don't hide it when you know you don't know something. Always ask questions when you don't know something, but also ask where you can find the information in the future on your own, so that your preceptors know you wont continually ask the same questions over and over again.

Good luck to you, love!

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Specializes in public health, women's health, reproductive health.
Nursing has by far been the most humbling experience of my life.

This ^^^

OP, you are not alone. I will be graduating in December and often feel the same way. I have to believe we know more than we realize. But I am also sure that I have so much to learn. I'm going to take a deep breath and get ready for my first year of nursing. I wish us both the best!

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

((HUGS))

YUP! Completely normal

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Agreed, normal! They say learning really begins when you get that first nursing job. Even with my random per diem work (non-acute), I've learned a lot about being a nurse, and I'm learning about health conditions and meds I couldn't even find in my textbooks.

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Specializes in CVICU.

That's because new grad nurses DON'T know anything :shy:

I jest... slightly. Everyone else has said what needs to be said :p

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Nursing school isn't meant to teach you everything you need to know to be a nurse. As counterintuitive as that is, it's just meant to teach you the basics and the foundation to build on.

If you feel like you learned a lot in school, wonderful. If you don't, that's okay too because you will learn everything you need to know about working on your floor on the job. It's scary, and nerve wracking, and frustrating. But it's better that way; because every facility and every unit does things their own way.

Good luck!

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I could imagine you and others would feel this way, there's so much to learn in nursing school! And not a whole lot of time for application! So, trust yourself, and be willing to still learn even though school is over! That'll be the key. You've clearly proven yourself this far! You got this! I believe in you!

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I think this is a common feeling among new grads, and one of the reasons why a good, supportive orientation is necessary in your first job.

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