First RN job.

[julz68]

I'm not sure where to post this, so I hope this is the right place.

I am a brand new nurse, graduated December 2012 and just passed boards last week. Tonight I was offered my first job as an RN and accepted a position on the Medical Unit full time nights. I was absolutely elated! I start orientation a week from today.

Now that I sit here and it's all sinking in, I'm starting to feel anxious and a bit of disbelief that I am actually an RN about to start working as one...very soon. Is it normal to feel this way? I'm a bit scared and a whole lot nervous. I don't think I should feel this way, because I have worked at this hospital for 11 years as a CNA, I know the charting system, I know a lot of people there already (even though I worked on a different floor previously)...

For some reason I'm starting to doubt my ability. I did well in school and even better in clinical, but now that I'm actually going to work independently, I'm scared! I know I will have a preceptor for a few weeks...I don't know why I feel this way. Just wondering if anyone else felt the same.

Thanks..

[chrysdamian]

I am also a brand new nurse, graduated in December and passed boards on Saturday. And I feel the exact same way! I just said to my husband how it feels so strange to sign "RN" after my name at work. I have been working in LTC and I have just started a new position as assistant director of nursing, talk about having doubts! I also am finding it hard to find a balance between my former role as CNA/CMA and my new role. I guess I couldn't imagine what this would be like, it's surreal.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Beginnings are ALWAYS scary - no matter how much you have looked forward to the new opportunity. It's human nature to fear the unknown. We've all been in your shoes. You're going to be just fine.

[M/B-RN]

Yes, it is very normal. It would be abnormal if you were not scared and had no inhibitions. Congrats and good luck!

[julz68]

Thanks! Been reading thru other people's threads and it has made me feel better.

I know my new nurse manager pretty well also since she was a floor nurse on the Cardiac Unit when I worked there as an aide. I'm just very nervous about my new role. Wondering how I'm going to handle delegation since I've been an aide for 16 years. I'm the type of person that tries to do everything myself. I do know when to ask for help when I need it tho. I guess it will just take time!