First job stress; I know everyone says it's totally normal but....

teeniebert, LPN · Dec 9, 2009

All I've heard so far is, "It gets better." It freaking BETTER get better! I had to up my antidepressants and I'm taking my prn IBS meds every day. The figure I've seen thrown around is 6 months--that's how long it takes to get used to/confident at your job. I'm in a somewhat similar situation--pinned in April, licensed in May, started my job in September--but I'm an LPN in the subacute/rehab unit of a LTC facility. Every night I'm there I feel like I'm gonna cry, throw up, and/or pass out due to the enormous amount of work I have to get done and the lives I hold in my hands. One thing that's helped is starting a new tradition--on Sundays if I have to work, my husband and I go out to breakfast. It helps me have something to smile about.

USMC Ret., RN · Dec 9, 2009

>>after you guys started your first jobs, did you have any strategy you did that helped get your mind off of nursing for a few days

i know this period well. during that period i simply increased my prayer time, backpacking, and i stay very physical active (spending at least an hour or so at the gym).

bottom line, these activities help me keep my perspective and sanity... burnout is not uncommon during that first year.

more importantly, as time passes things don't get better-- you do. for me was about 6 to 8 months.

hope this helps.

- luis

southernbelle08 · Dec 9, 2009

Hi,

I'll have been an RN for two years this coming May. I wish I could tell you there was some magical thing you could do to take that anxiety away, but honestly, the only thing that works is time.

You're right. It is completely normal to feel the way you do, but I know that doesn't make it any less scary. I remember all too well those days where I would constantly think of work to the point of feeling like I never had any time for myself. I remember being terrified that I was doing this/that wrong.

The best thing for you to do is to realize this will pass. It will get better. Everyone started out brand new and has been where you are. Even those people that seem like they know everything there is to possibly know...they were in your shoes at one point and time. I started to get more comfortable after about 6-8 months, but even after almost 2 years I am still learning everyday! I still ask questions and that is OK...it is how we learn! Don't ever be afraid to ask questions!

I wish you the best of luck and please believe that your day is coming. It WILL get better!!

NC Girl BSN · Dec 9, 2009

Dec 20th will be 8 months on my job. The more you practice and do the procedures more, the better it gets. The old saying practice make perfect. This has increased my anxiety about work. I can't say that I love to go to work but I can say that its amore bareable to do it. I am not crazy about bedside nursing. I am a educator so I am gonna do this bedside thing another 2 yrs and start applying for staff development or nursing ed job. Gotta get more education.

Again, time will make it better. Your stress management techniques are great. Keep them up.

Supernrse01, BSN · Dec 9, 2009

It will get better, PROMISE. I was a nervous wreck whe I first started on a Telemetry unit as a new RN. I even threw away a box of MSO4 and didn't even realize it. That one had me worked up for days.

Just remember that you went to school and passed your boards. You have the knowledge and now just need the practice to get better. Nursing is on eof the jobs that really requires hands-on training. School gets you prepared for the job of learning to begin. Hang in there!! :nurse:

NC Girl BSN · Dec 9, 2009

Dec 20th will be 8 months on my job. The more you practice and do the procedures more, the better it gets. The old saying practice make perfect. This has increased my anxiety about work. I can't say that I love to go to work but I can say that its amore bareable to do it. I am not crazy about bedside nursing. I am a educator so I am gonna do this bedside thing another 2 yrs and start applying for staff development or nursing ed job. Gotta get more education.
Again, time will make it better. Your stress management techniques are great. Keep them up.

I meant to say "It has decreased my anxiety about work."

RN-BS1972 · Dec 9, 2009

NEW NURSES, here is the deal .........I have been a nurse for 3 1/2 years (LPN) in a real hospital with a bunch of RNs and am about to take boards for RN and move to the ER (yeah me!!!). A word of advice you have to develope a system that works for you. You will learn with experience to save your steps. If someone wants something for pain and they have meds due + dressing change + need blood work etc go do it all at once then you wont be running around like a chicken with your head cut off. I never got an orientation. In my very first day on the job I had 15 patients and the nurse that I was supposed to orientate with never showed up so I had to take 15 pts on my own I was thrown into the fire and survived. I came out shining actually and it was the best thing to happen to me.

1. cluster your care

2. dont give regular meds and hang meds and do insulin at the same time and I mean EVER!!

3. do the insulin stuff after. this will save med errors

4. dont be afraid to go into a room and tell a patient and their family you will be right with them when you are done with the patient you are presently with

5. dont be afraid to tell patient and families about clustering your care the good part is you get more time and shows you actually do care to your patients instead of running in and out of rooms which makes you look real unstable as a

nurse.

seriously if anyone has any questions please post. I would be glad to help

nygirl1986 · Dec 10, 2009

Thanks so much for all the advice guys!! I found out that I'll be going to nights by the end of January....which I think will help a little bit too because it seems a little less crazy busy at night and I will have more time for assessments and other skills I want to work on instead of just constantly passing meds or charting!! LOL