freaking out about after graduation

Congratulations on your completion of nursing school!!

What you are feeling is completely normal. Just remember that there is no way that you will know everything right away and also remember that the real world is going to be different than school. But you now have a foundation to build upon...and the building is life-long!

I remember when I first began working right out of school. I felt like a complete fraud for many many months.

Remember that no question is a dumb question.

Pay attention to the nurses who are teaching you...they have a great deal of experience to share.

What I found helpful after a day of work was to come home and read about my patient's illnesses or disease processes and the drugs and treatments that go along with these diseases/illnesses.

Organization/prioritization is key and is probably the hardest thing to establish, but don't worry...it will come!

Hopefully, you will have a nice new grad program to guide you along. Your adventure is just beginning! How exciting!

The mere fact that you are worried about it tells me that you are going to be just fine. Just don't let the worry cloud your brilliant nurse mind!

Good Luck!

I felt like a joke for a long time after I got out of nursing school and got a job. I felt so inept. After four years I don't feel much better about it. It keeps me humble, I guess.

Congratulations to you! You are not weird to be freaking out. I remember doing the same thing 7 years ago when I graduated. Just BREATHE....pass that NCLEX, and take it one step at a time. When you get your first job, find mentors to follow----nurses whose integrity and skills you admire and try to learn from them. The 1st year is tough, the toughest of my life. But it does pass, and you do become competent. I wish you the best of luck on passing the NCLEX and your entry to the 'real world" of nursing. Your wings have grown, you need now to FLY!

Congratulations! The best nurses have that edge to them where they are relaxed and just a little bit paranoid. You're not going to know everything when you get out and some days are going to feel down. You're going to be great!

Thank you all so much. I feel much better after reading the replies. Sometimes "fraud" is exactly what I feel like. I had a feeling that my first year out of school and on the floor would be pretty hard but it makes it easier knowing that it will pass AND I'm not strange for feeling this way now. Whew!

You are far from a "fraud", from what I can see here.....just be yourself. And never, ever pretend to know what you don't. All experienced nurses know new grads are scared...and need to learn. Admit when you don't know something and ask for help. We expect you to! (((Hugs)))

I felt the exact same way. I was no tfreaked out abour boards, just freaked out that I was going to be the nurse. No one to turn to no one to back me up. I am 9 months into my new career and I sometimes still feel that way, but you know what I am not alone, and there is always someone there to back me up, my co-workers! They are the best. I am starting to feel confident that I know what I am doing, but not too confident that I don't know when to ask questions. I little fear is what keeps us on our toes. You are going to be great!!!