feeling stupid

Nurses General Nursing

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I have only been an LPN for 6 months, but will test for my RN in january; and well to make a long story short, when will i not feel so stupid? I feel like i am jacking everything up. how long does this feeling stay?

Midwest4me

1,007 Posts

Specializes in A myriad of specialties.

aww, hugs to you---so many of us feel that way when first taking those tentative steps as a nurse....many of us still have those feelings periodically even 20+ years into the career. it's hard to say when that feeling will dissipate--it varies with each nurse. you must keep learning! there is no way for us to know everything about every aspect of nursing; that's why there are specialties! good luck to you.

Sparrowhawk

664 Posts

Specializes in LTC.

Mine's still there a year later at times. Hang in there...you're so not stupid. *wine:hgu:

Specializes in Developmental Disabilities, LTC.

Give it a good 6 months until you feel comfortable with your job...best advice a nurse ever gave me.

FLArn

503 Posts

Specializes in Hospice, LTC, Rehab, Home Health.

I still remember the feeling I had the first few months I was on the floor -- that "Oh my Gosh, They think I know something!" feeling. It lasted on and off for about the first year. And still pops up from time to time 16 years later!

Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

about a year or more for me - and still have bouts of it. Nursing is always changing so give yourself a break and admit you will never know it all.

Luv2BAnurse

244 Posts

Give it a good 6 months until you feel comfortable with your job...best advice a nurse ever gave me.

Oh my! If a nurse had told me that........a year later when I was still feeling that way, I'd have been so upset! ;)

It just takes time...different times for different people. You will be fine!

Smitty08

160 Posts

Specializes in Psychiatry (PMHNP), Family (FNP).

Agree with "RNfromMN" - it definitely took 6 months for me to feel comfortable in the RN role. I didn't know which end was up at first. After that, smooth sailing. There's always a need to keep learning however! Best of luck!!

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