Freaked Out New Grad!

jessi1106, BSN, RN · Oct 5, 2008

Hi,

What job did you pick?

Hopefully something that will give you a broad range of pts and experiences.

Yes, I was extremely nervous starting at my new job. I had never before worked as an aide or in the health care setting. Now, after one year I am reasonably comfortable.

Ask lots of questions. Never do anything you are unsure of.

If you got through nursing school it is unlikely that you will start failing now!

You will be fine.

Congratulations and good luck to you!

VEGASSMYLE · Oct 5, 2008

I will pay for you, I think it is normal to be a little nervous... Just think about deep breathing!!

CleveRN2008 · Oct 5, 2008

Thank you for the encouragement. I appreciate it more than I can say. I debated about which job to take...but I ended up taking a cardiothoracic stepdown unit since it would give me more exposure than the other offer. I realize that I will learn a lot and get to do a lot of IV meds, IV insertions, caths, EKG interpretation, etc.

Again, thanks for your encouragement! It helps to know that others have felt the same and have overcome.

DoeRN · Oct 5, 2008

I start my 1st nursing job in November too. Even though I worked in a hospital for 7 years I am still nervous because I will have a new role.

crimson and clover · Oct 5, 2008

Start confident is my advice. Jump right in and try everything you can. Be really friendly, but don't trust anyone. Always take the time to look up a procedure, rather than simply asking. You'll do fine. It's natural to be nervous.

ewilson3 · Oct 6, 2008

Yes, volunteer to try new things, I am also a new grad. I had a lot of the same feeling, what if i am not competent, the staff doesn't like me, etc. My suggestion is whenever they need and iv insert, volunteer to try it, don't shy away from new things, you will never learn that way. We recently had a patient coding and one of the nurse grabbed me and pulled me in the room to start doing chest compressions. I was apprehensive about it, but after it was done i was glad to have that experience. also ask lot and lots of questions. if you are unsure of something ask your preceptor. they are there to help you. be confident, but don't be conceded. know your limitations, but also try to keep in mind alll that you learned in nursing school!! good luck, you will love it as i do!

kwalker0503 · Oct 6, 2008

Oh, yes nervousness comes with the territory of being a new nurse! I started orientation in July and it was supposed to be for three months well they pulled me out after two months. So last Sat was first night out of orientation and I am still nervous but not as nervous. You will do fine, just whenever in doubt always ask questions. Working on the floor is so different from school! It was very overwhelming at first, but thanks to alot of prayer and this website i feel like my anxiety is slowly decreasing. Good luck!!

dorselm · Oct 10, 2008

I start my preceptorship in school at the end of this month and I am so scared. It's for 8 weeks and I have to earn 192 hours by Dec 19th. I will start with one patient and by the eight week, I should be able to take 6 patients on this med/surg floor. The blessing is that I accepted a job on this floor so when I graduate and start, I will still get orientation. You wanna talk about someone scared outa their mind? However, I am going to think about the advice on this thread and jump in and do whatever I can to learn. To all of you on this thread about to embark on an exciting, challenging nursing career, we can do it, we just have to pray and take it one day at a time. :up: .

casperx875x · Oct 10, 2008

Other people here are right. You will be fine. I was a ball of nerves when I first started and could NOT imagine how I'd be able to care for 5 patients - just 1 was scary enough! You'll be nervous for all your "firsts" but what you learn from those experiences will greatly help you as you mature in your career. Whenever in doubt, call for help and people will show up. I've been working as an RN since July and was off orientation in September. I am still nervous all the time while working, but the more senior staff tells me it's normal and that it will get better eventually as we obtain more experiences. And as my preceptor told me, she'd be nervous for me if I wasn't nervous for myself. I've cried once at work and once when I got home. Not too bad for 3.5 months, I suppose. :chuckle

You will be great. Know who your resources are and ask, ask, ask. I hope you have a great preceptor - he/she can and should be your greatest resource. I know mine was! Let us know how things are going once you start!

lavenderhat · Oct 11, 2008

I am also a new grad and just started a few months ago. I was also nervous and still am. My advice is to be very cautious and double check everything. Question everything. Document everything and cover yourself.