1st job. Scared to death.

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in med surg.

I just landed my first job, something I wanted more than anything and all of a sudden I'm scared sick. What if I can't cut it? What if I've forgotten everything I learned, it has been a year post grad. What if I go in there looking like a idiot. Omg please tell me this is normal. Also what can I do to brush up before I start. Omg this is really happening!!!!

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Nursing school taught you to practice safely. It's not uncommon to have some jitters before starting a new job. In fact, a little bit of anxiety in our field can actually be a good thing. It will keep you on your toes and remind you to be careful in your practice.

Your new employer will provide you with an orientation to teach you what they expect from you and you'll be assigned to a preceptor that you will shadow and learn from. Ask questions, listen and learn. With time you'll get your groove. Try to complete a quick head to toe assessment early in your shift, so if there's a change in patient status you'll quickly recognize it.

Remember why you became a nurse and enjoy that part of it. It's a long time to retirement, might as well have a little fun along the way. Good luck and welcome to nursing!

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I just landed my first job, something I wanted more than anything and all of a sudden I'm scared sick. What if I can't cut it? What if I've forgotten everything I learned, it has been a year post grad. What if I go in there looking like a idiot. Omg please tell me this is normal. Also what can I do to brush up before I start. Omg this is really happening!!!!

Yes this is normal. Every. Single. Time. Doesn't matter if you're a newbie or a veteran. You'll be fine.

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I know what you feel though I have not been offered a job yet! Still looking for jobs. But even I know/are scared to death for my first nursing job whenever that may be! Good luck. You can do it

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
Omg please tell me this is normal.

Let's put this situation into an identifiable perspective, newnurse Fresno.

For example, as we mature we know this to be true:

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But when we were young, we may have believed this was true:

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We all had to go through the same sort of experience and feelings that you're having now.

The very best to you!

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Specializes in Travel, Home Health, Med-Surg.

Your reaction is perfectly normal, every new nurse feels this way. I am sure you will be fine but if you really want to brush up just go over the basics from your books etc. You will be great!!

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

OMG, this is SOOOO normal!

Everyone has jitters before they start a new job. Everyone has big jitters before they start their first job!

As an experienced preceptor, let me assure you that no one expects you to know anything on your first day. No one expects you to LEARN anything on your first day except how to find your unit, where to hang your coat and the name of your manager and/or your preceptor. The new grad who isn't scared to death scares ME to death! Your fear is what keeps you from making mistakes! The new grad I don't trust any farther than I can throw her is the new grad who ISN'T scared!

Congratulations on your new job, and I'm hoping it goes swimmingly!

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Specializes in med surg.

Thank you guys so much for the pep talks!!! I needed it!! I am still scared, but feel a little better about it haha

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