May have a job & my concerns

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I graduated in May of 2009 and have been having a terrible time finding a RN position in a hospital. I do work full time in a job outside the medical field. I was called in for an interview for a part-time RN position on a pediatric floor. I was estatic and now I am doubting my ability to be a RN. I feel incompetent and wonder if I do get hired will I be making the right decision!! My anxiety level has shut up through the roof. I started reading my school material to brush up on peds. It seems as if I never went to school, I don't remember a thing I learned in school. Please give me all the advice you have to offer!

Specializes in Urgent Care.

I feel your pain. I'm a new grad and just got hired into a critical care position starting on Monday. I'm incredibly nervous about my ability to grasp everything I'm going to need to learn. Does the hospital have a good training program? I know for me that's the only thing making me feel slightly better about it. They know you're a new nurse and surely expect you to have a lot to learn. Don't let your anxiety undermine your confidence. The way I see it, you got through nursing school, which means you have the ability to learn this stuff. Good luck!

Specializes in pediatrics.

Even in pediatrics, there's still the same fundamentals of nursing. And you may even have more double checks in that area- we double check IV fluids with another RN, learn to double check med doses everytime. You'll get used to the mg/kgs for many of the meds. Just don't be afraid of asking for help- and it's expected to get help for many things: IV starts, shots, most procedures.

Yay! That's so exciting! I started off in Peds full-time since graduating. I had new grad program on adult floors too, as well as in peds. But, being new in peds, I know what you're going through. :)

Just be open to learn a lot and ask lots of questions. I'd rather work with a new nurse that asks lots of questions than a new one that doesn't ask for help- it can be scary. Hopefully the nurses you work with will be very approachable, and even if they're not, your little pt is worth all the questions in the world. :)

Congrats! :D

I know it is a little scary changing careers, but you just have to show confidence in your abilities. If you graduated and passed boards, you are now a registered nurse. You've worked hard for the title and should be proud of yourself! The company/hospital you work for will train you how they want to train you and your schooling is a block to build on.

During orientation though, do not be afraid to ask questions. That is what your preceptor/mentor is there for. If you don't get something right away (like first IV insert, for example), don't get discouraged, it'll happen. Mixed emotions are a normal thing to feel, but you'll get past it- just believe in yourself. Nursing is a rewarding career in many more ways than one- you can do it!

Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I am glad to know you care enough to be concerned.

Right now your co-workers should only expect a novice nurse. They will guide you to learning the ropes and it will take at least one year before you are comfortable in your own skin. So take a deep breath-----------

Thank you so much for the support! It eases a lot of my anxiety ...

Specializes in drug seekers and the incurably insane..

Just get through your orientation if you're hired and learn all you can!!! Seek out learning opportunities, and always, always, refer to the Policy and Procedure manual. Sending good luck your way, and hope you get a good nurse to orient you!*wine

+ Add a Comment