First Nursing Job, feeling a little lost

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Hello, this is my first Nursing Job and I like it very much, and I was lucky to get Medical/Surgical department, because I was hoping to start there. I still feel lost learning the computer system at the hospital and other things. Did anybody else feel lost when they first started working as a new nurse? There are so many new things to learn that nursing school wasnt able to teach.

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I'm a new nurse, only 2 months at my new job and I feel lost every day still... There is SO MUCH to learn about nursing then add in the hospital and the computer system... however, everyday I feel a little better and thenh next day I get smacked down again, LOL... Take the good days to help carry you through the not-so-good days

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

Totally normal. Any new job the 1st 3 months are like that and your 1st nursing job is even harder. Hang in there.

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

thread moved for best response.

((HUGS)) the first year is the hardest you are not alone!'

CONGRATS!

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Yep, lost here as well. I have been working for just over 2 months as well. I am lucky that I have some awesome people I work with, but OMG I feel so alone most times!

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Specializes in Cardiac.

I'm new too!! I have a really great preceptor though who has helped me a lot... just ask questions! Anything I'm unsure of, no matter how "simple" it may seem, I ask!! You're not alone

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Thanks for the advice everybody. I can tell some of my coworkers seem a little frustrated with me, but I hope things get better

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Specializes in Ortho.

Keep asking questions, I've been on the floor 8 months and am feeling comfortable now.

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Specializes in Nephrology.

Yes. I carry a little pocket notebook to write things about the computer that I need to remember that way I dont have to keep asking people. Im only 2 weeks in, but I have been pulling out the notebook less and less.

It is normal to feel lost. I suspect we will feel this way for a while. I try to think of everything I did WELL at the end of the day instead of the negative. My preceptor said that it is important to be forgiving to yourself during this new transition and to care for the caretaker (you!). Hang in there. It will get better!

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Specializes in Nephrology.

Oh yeah, and nursing school was very unrealistic. :laugh:

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Yeah, I learned nothing in nursing school!

And I have SO many notes! I have my little clipboard that opens up, stuffed full of notes and such. I have to write down step by step on how to do things, like d/c instructions, or how to do an admission. After doing it a few times I'm good, but not unless I wrote it down! And goodness, so many things I've not done that I don't know I'm doing wrong or missing! Like yesterday, had 2 fresh lap chole pts. I didn't know when I was charting I was supposed to chart in 2 places about the jp drains. Oops!

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