First Day Being a Nurse: Feeling Overwhelmed

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    Joe V
    Editorial Team / Admin

    Joe V

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Specializes in Programming / Strategist for allnurses.

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How was your first day being a nurse? Please share your stories...

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Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.

HaHA! I've been doing this for 25 years and STLL have those days on occassion.

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Specializes in Most areas of adult hospital care.

I really started feeling this way after the first few weeks when the newness had worn off. The "honeymoon" was over. I wondered what in the world I had gotten myself into. But, I hung in there. That was about 18 years ago.

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SuzieF said:
I really started feeling this way after the first few weeks when the newness had worn off. The "honeymoon" was over. I wondered what in the world I had gotten myself into. But, I hung in there. That was about 18 years ago.

LOL. I thought I was feeling odd when I thought the exact same thing this week when I started my first job in psych. Smh. Im hoping it goes away.

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Awww. Trust me after the 5th time a Doc yells at you for something that's not your fault, a superwoman coworker sarcastically talks about your full 30min break, and you get the nerve to tell a disrespectful/disrupting family member to calm down or get gone...you will totally feel like an old timer quick! Don't worry everyday you make it back ;) your skills grow, and before you know it a newbie is asking your advice. Enjoy the process, and keep a diary. Trust me you will laugh. :roflmao:

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Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.

I have moments sometimes in the middle of a crisis when just for a split second I think "o man,I need a nurse" and then I remember-that's me! Then I can take a deep breath and do the ABC's and get the situation under control after I control myself.

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Specializes in cardiac-telemetry, hospice, ICU.

I am only a short distance past my first day. I am usually a confident, self assured type, but not right now. I am humbled by the seemingly effortless management of 17 things at once by the experienced nurses. Just when I begin to feel a little less scared and confused, I confront a new unknown situation and step backward two steps. Everyone tells me this is normal and things will get better week by week and I believe them, but it doesn't help the way I feel right now. Still, I thrive on a challenge and having a new mountain to climb, i just hope I can hold it all together while I climb it!

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Specializes in Trauma | Surgical ICU.

There are days when I feel like it's my first day of nursing.

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Specializes in Correctional.
ktwlpn said:
I have moments sometimes in the middle of a crisis when just for a split second I think "o man,I need a nurse" and then I remember-that's me! Then I can take a deep breath and do the ABC's and get the situation under control after I control myself.

LOL..this is totally me somedays:))

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Being overwhelmed and small is not just for first year nursing, it can still happen even to an experienced nurse.

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Specializes in Surgical/MS/Oncology/Telemetry/OBGYN.

This is truly encouraging, have not even found a job yet, recently passed my boards on 03/01, feeling scared already!!!:nailbiting:

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Specializes in Endoscopy, OR, ICU, HIV, Bariatrics.

I am a new ICU nurse. Gosh, daily I feel like quitting because I feel stupid constantly. While the other nurses on my floor are amazing and help me out, I still feel dumb. I remind myself of all the great work and things patients say throughout the day to keep me going. Everyone starts out doubting themselves. :cat:

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