It has been exactly one year since graduation

Nurses New Nurse

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Today May 16th, 2004 has been exactly one year since I walked across the stage. Time has defintely went by so fast. IT is soo hard to believe. I have been a R.N. for 7 months of the past year. It is incredible to see how much I have achieved and how far I have came.

I first took my boards July 21st but at 265 questions I did not pass. I knew why and knew what I had to do about the test anxiety. Three months later October 21st, 2003 I took the test over again. The screen shut off at 75 and I had to wait a couple days before I found out that while the second time felt like more of a challenging test I had indeed past. So to the new grads of course we all want to pass the first time but if you don't then don't give up. I have met some WONDERFUL nurses who had to take more than one or even two times before the finally passed.

When I first started I was scared of the doctors. I hated having to call them at 200 or 300 in the morning but then I realize that MOST doctors do not actually yell and scream at you and if they do there is 1 of 2 possibilities either they are tired and had a difficult day or they are just a general pain and you simply don't let them bring you down. Doctors do not intimidate me any more.

I was intimidated by the number of patients I had to be responsible for but All I can do is do the best I honestly can do and if I need help there are plenty of other resources out there.

The first code experience I had was not too long ago. It was not my patient but I went into the room when the other nurse was not available and she soon came in right after I did. The patient was crashing and we called a code. IT was frightening at first but when the room soon became extremely crowded with all kinds of people I soon realize that while it is frightening this is truly a team effort and I do not have to be so fearful.

Oh the skills I have learned putting down an NG on resisting patients, inserting foleys, starting IV's which is still a weakness for me but it takes practice to become proficient. The things I learned about patience dealing with difficult people, learning how to become organized and learning what to prioritize and what can wait even.

It has been a difficult 7 months working 12 hour shifts nights on a med-surg floor however it has defintely been exciting. There has been times I wanted to say that is it enough is enough but I know that this is one of the most difficult times of a nurses career. I can't give up now.

What keeps me in the game is focusing on my future plans, dreams, and desires. IF I give up now I will never reach any of that.

What keeps me in the game is reading my mission statement and my essay on the whole reason why I went into nurisng in the first place. That keeps me going. If you don't have a mission statement/essay on why you went into nursing in the first place. I urge you to write it out. You will need to refer to it especially when the going gets rough. Write it out along with your future plans, dreams and desires.

Develop a support system that is crucial to your success. If you do not have the book entitled Your first year in Nursing by Donna Cardillo. What are you waiting for. :chuckle Run out and by a copy. It is an invaluable book. Put it on your graduation list if someone is wanting to know what you would like. Even if you are not a new grad it is still a GOOD book!! I refer to it quite often.

I wish each and every one of you the best. Develop a plan of how to reduce stress. It is important and time for nurses to learn to take care of themselves. We take care of other but often neglect ourselves. Learn to take care of yourself.

Good luck!!!!!!!1

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Thank you Peaceful for such a supportive letter. I really needed to hear your words today. I'm waiting to take my boards and feel like I'm in limbo. You gave some good advice on adjusting to the first year. I really do appreciate it. :)

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peaceful, truly that was an interesting piece.. wonderful! god bless you:)

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Specializes in Community Health Nurse.

((((((((((Peaceful)))))))))) :kiss My my my...how you've grown in the past year! I knew if you hung in there you'd be able to have this moment of reflection. I can hear you exhaling one year post grad! Keep up the good work, and always remember nurses are always evolving over the course of their nursing careers. Not one of us ever truly arrives at a "safe place", and the challenges remain day in day out, but we are in nursing because something beyond the need for a good paycheck motivated us in this direction. Keep on keeping on sister, and read my signature line below. Claim it, own it, and breathe in spite of the learning process of life. :balloons:

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Peaceful2100, thank-you! I just finished finals last week and pinning is Tuesday. I have been so worried about doing well in my first job, I feel like I don't know anything. Your letter gave me hope, thanks for sharing.

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Specializes in LTC, ER, ICU,.

peaceful thanks for taking the time to share with us. i, too, have read the growth from your posts. keep up the wonderful work and spirit.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Thank you, Peaceful. You haven't forgotten that we all need to hear these words of support from time to time. I was reading your post and I had to laugh. Donna Cardillo's book is right here on the bed next to me right at this very moment! I bought it for myself after I passed my finals. Now I have an interview next week and again am referring to it. Once again, thank you for your sincere words of advice.

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((((((((((Peaceful)))))))))) :kiss My my my...how you've grown in the past year! I knew if you hung in there you'd be able to have this moment of reflection. I can hear you exhaling one year post grad! Keep up the good work, and always remember nurses are always evolving over the course of their nursing careers. Not one of us ever truly arrives at a "safe place", and the challenges remain day in day out, but we are in nursing because something beyond the need for a good paycheck motivated us in this direction. Keep on keeping on sister, and read my signature line below. Claim it, own it, and breathe in spite of the learning process of life. :balloons:

Your signature line is GREAT!!! I love it. I'm so glad I hanged in there. I am so glad for you and others on this board or without you and this board. I would probably would have not posted this. You are defintely right nurses are always evolving over the course of their careers. It is a choice they make.

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Thanks peaceful

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Hi: I needed your post today. I graduated 12/03 took boards 2/03 had 265 and failed it like to have killed me. I went back end of 3/04 and it cut off at 186 I felt I got them all down to 2 answers and felt better when I left I failed a second time. I'm terrified to go back again. I'm hopefully going back at the end of 6/04 I felt embarrassed etc at first but you know it is no one else's business and if they want to talk about me well they just can because I know in my heart I'm a wonderful wife, mother and LPN and I'll be a wonderful RN when I get over this bump in the road. My problem is I worry about what everyone thinks of me. I went through alot in nursing school I did invitro and it took had a beautiful daughter while out of school for the summer went back for my last semester with a newborn so I know I can succeed at anything comes my way with faith and determination. Thanks again. :) :)

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Specializes in Emergency.

awewsome post and as another nurse that graduated last year i agree 100%. Thanks for the post xoxo Jen

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Peaceful2100:

I luv and can TOTALLY relate 2 your post. I'm a new RN since July,2003. Man.... I'll B celebrating my 1st year, soon. ANyways... just wanted 2 wish U continued success in your nursing career. Take care and God bless U & your beautiful daughter (she looks adorable).

WARHAWK320

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