imposter???

[RNLisa]

Ok, I am about to make myself pretty vulnerable here by admitting something to you all. Being a new nurse for only 5 months or so, I know I am still "green".

I do feel pretty good about alot of my job aspects, but I really became aware that I am still not confident about alot of situations that can come about.

You read about stuff, learn everything you can in school, you know a disease process, meds for that process, etc. etc., but when it comes to real life situations, I feel like I am a deer in headlights sometimes.

Not to go into detail for HIPPA reasons, I just had a situation that I was like "Oh my gosh, what do I do?" I did what I knew, but then was like "am I ready for these kinds of situations?" I feel like a total imposter, I am a nurse, shouldn't I know what to do????? Everything ended up ok, I did ok, called the appropriate ancillary depts, doc, etc. But, after that, I am thinking, will I be able to function in that situation or in other situations appropriately.

I feel so stupid admitting this.

Please tell me I am not the only one who has or does feel this way. I know I will learn as I go, but being on my own as a new grad, I still feel scared.

I pray every day before work that God will only give me what I can handle. I pray he keeps all patients in my care safe and that he will guide me. I know he will, but it still scares me.

[RNLisa]

Daytonite and nurse drumm, thanks for your posts, they are inspiring and helpful!

Everyone else that has posted, thank you as well.

I think as I complete my telemetry, pals and acls, I will begin to feel even more confident. I take all three classes this year sometime as budget allows.

I am trying to have a positive attitude. You all here are very helpful! Thanks so much.

[ERERER]

I have been an RN for 30+ years, still learn something new each shift, still go and look things up. Still read journals and scan the internet. The best thing to remember is you are never alone. I have never been angry at a new (or old) nurse for asking a question. I HAVE been angry when they don't. I don't have all the answers, but I do know where we can look it up together. If I remember right, I thought that the REAL nursing school started after i graduated. Good advice above. If you cannot afford a nursing journal, ask around if anyone else gets them, and if you could borrow. Each thing that makes you stop and think, research it a little.... write down the important stuff. You can't keep everything in your head! Even doctors carry cheat sheets. Know the basics: the meds that you give most often, the "gut" signs that someone is doing poorly or "just doesn't look right". Those kind of observations by a nurse have saved many lives. You may not have the scientific words to describe it, but you do have the words to describe what you are seeing. Keep working and keep learning!

[Psychaprn]

Oh, how I remember those feelings. Having experienced nurses/mentors helped alot. I'm an APRN and there are still days when i go home and wonder if I did all the right things-relax-it'll get easier and remember-showing up and being present to patients in a compassionate manner is what's most important!