About to graduate and very nervous!

[levans121687]

I am a Senior in my nursing program...we are an ADN program so I am coming to the end of my two year program. I graduate in December 2010. I am told by many instrutors that i am a great student and should have more confindence in myself. In clinicals, I am very confident at bedside and with patients, when it comes to connecting theory and practice I feel I do not know the information...I told my instrutor this and she stated that she had never seen that.

*Basically, I am wondering if any other now RNs felt this way before they graduated?

*How did you overcome this feeling of worry that you may not be as good as your instructors think you are? Is this just something that will go away with time, once i become an actual RN?

Thanks for anyone that can help or give me some insigh t:confused:

[mad-mary]

You are not going to like what I am about to say ..... as a new graduate beginning work I felt like i didn't learn anything in nursing school. In truth, school only provides you with a foundation to begin to learn while on the job. Your discomfort may mean that you already realize this. Do not worry, no one expects you to know everything. Experience will help you gain confidence. Hang in there!

[rn-jane]

I totally agree with mary above, I knew nothing at least it felt that way when I got out of school. I felt like I made so many mistakes it was almost ridiculous. Things really don't seem to click til you been out at least two years and finally it seems to flow together. We all feel like you do so don't worry about it, graduate and get your experience taking one day at a time. Each day is a learning experience.

[CorpsmanRN, BSN, RN]

I totally feel the same way levans. I graduate in June and am feeling ill prepared. I have received great evals from instructors & clinical nurses I've worked with, but I still feel like I know nothing. I have been asking all the nurses in the dept I'm doing my preceptorship the same question and they say the same thing as the previous posts. I think we just have to have enough confidence in ourselves to know that we can do it (or at least learn how to do it :) ). Good luck!

[piperknitsRN]

Congratulations on your successes; we welcome you into the nursing profession!

The nervousness is completely normal. I have been a nurse for almost five years in different hospital capacities, and I haven't had it disappear completely. You will have very good days, and very bad days; you will struggle and doubt yourself, and feel triumph, too. All this is completely normal and you are not alone in your feelings!!!! Never forget that! My advice to you is to establish a mentor and a friend in nursing who supports you and understands what you are going through, and believe him/her when they tell you how normal it is to feel overwhelmed, stressed, and uncertain of yourself. Take time for youself, and have faith in the fact that we were all there once, and continue to be.

You will be amazed at the things you learn and feel comfortable with after one month, six months, and a year.

Good luck! Again, we welcome you to the profession!

[Mike A. Fungin RN]

It's pretty normal and even beneficial to leave school feeling like a complete idiot. That little bit of healthy fear should keep you from doing anything stupid while also serving as motivation to learn all you can.

[levans121687]

Thanks so much for all your replys.

I did know that i will learn more than i ever learned in nursing school once i get into the "real" world. I guess its just being young and never having to fully be a grown up. Its all coming so fast.

I have an amazing mentor already-my grandmother was a nurse for 23 years and just retired last april. She is amazing and sends me cards and little tokens to keep me going.

Again thank you for all your replys and welcoming me to the nursing community!