First job/ LTC......

I'm sorry about your loss, mpg.

As to feeling untrained and incompetent - every new nurse feels that way upon hitting the floor for the first time.

Good luck.

:)

middypiegirl.....your going through what EVERY nurse goes through on their first job as a nurse (except for the lose of you child, I'm so sorry to hear this ). You will feel so overwhelmed that you may even start to think you made a mistake becoming a nurse, but don't give up, hang in there.....it DOES get better. Keep an open mind, remember your training and don't be afraid to ask questions or ask for help, don't worry about making a fool of yourself. Your a new nurse and nobody expect you to know as much as someone that has been a nurse for years. Many, many nurses out there are more than happy to help you along the way. In 6 months you'll be suprised how far you have come.

Good luck

Breathe........take your time. I work in LTC too. it's been six months, yet I still feel uncomfortable everyday. But what I do is relax and take my time.

I too am starting my first job (in LTC) in a few days. I finished school almost 1 year ago... so I know what you mean about feeling a little rusty. I am terrified and excited. When I feel terrified, I think of all the other students I went to school with and all many of the nurses I've met at clinicals, etc - hey, if they can do it, so can I - and so can you! No one ever started as a nurse knowing everything...

Think positively. Don't allow yourself to be overwhelmed. If you find yourself beginning to go into "panic mode" during an endless med pass, just stop. Take a breath. Be methodical and relaxed about what you do--it WILL get easier. Begin to put together a routine, tweaking it as needed. Learn as much as you can every day, try to notice the little things, like where certain things are, where things go. Watch other nurses and your aides closely. You can learn little tricks to make things go smoother, and also probably a lot of what NOT to do. Find your own way of doing things that works for YOU.

And don't expect to remember everything you learn right away. It is OK to ask questions. Everyone I work with does, no matter how long they've been there. But on the other hand, if it's something that's easy enough to find out on your own, do that.

Good luck and God Bless. I know you're going to do just fine.

So sorry for you loss. I think the fact that you are up and going says a lot about your strength as a person. You will do fine in your job and it will get easier but I am sure that you will persist and find that out for yourself. Best wishes.

Thanks for all the input guys...means alot to me. I am sure you will see me around this forum alot more......

Emilie