feeling stupid

[nrsman1]

I have only been an LPN for 6 months, but will test for my RN in january; and well to make a long story short, when will i not feel so stupid? I feel like i am jacking everything up. how long does this feeling stay?

[Midwest4me]

aww, hugs to you---so many of us feel that way when first taking those tentative steps as a nurse....many of us still have those feelings periodically even 20+ years into the career. it's hard to say when that feeling will dissipate--it varies with each nurse. you must keep learning! there is no way for us to know everything about every aspect of nursing; that's why there are specialties! good luck to you.

[Sparrowhawk]

Mine's still there a year later at times. Hang in there...you're so not stupid. *wine:hgu:

[RNfromMN, BSN, RN]

Give it a good 6 months until you feel comfortable with your job...best advice a nurse ever gave me.

[FLArn]

I still remember the feeling I had the first few months I was on the floor -- that "Oh my Gosh, They think I know something!" feeling. It lasted on and off for about the first year. And still pops up from time to time 16 years later!

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

about a year or more for me - and still have bouts of it. Nursing is always changing so give yourself a break and admit you will never know it all.

[Luv2BAnurse]

Give it a good 6 months until you feel comfortable with your job...best advice a nurse ever gave me.

Oh my! If a nurse had told me that........a year later when I was still feeling that way, I'd have been so upset!

It just takes time...different times for different people. You will be fine!

[Smitty08]

Agree with "RNfromMN" - it definitely took 6 months for me to feel comfortable in the RN role. I didn't know which end was up at first. After that, smooth sailing. There's always a need to keep learning however! Best of luck!!