new rn ..HELP!

Nurses General Nursing

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I am a new rn and really happy to be a nurse...however, i just got off orientation a few days early and my anxiety is sky high. I worked my first time by myself monday..so hard..yes orientation was hard but i felt more comfortable...now its so scary and im litetrally anxious all the time even on my days off...is there anything i can do to be more confident? Nursing school is obviously much different than the real world. Anyone going through this have any advice and any experienced nurses have any words of advice?

Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I believe all nurses suffer this. I know I did. Please tell your supervisor you need a mentor because you are not comfortable yet in your role. I bet I asked a million questions that first year

nursefrances, BSN, RN

1 Article; 601 Posts

Specializes in Ambulatory Surgery, Ophthalmology, Tele.

I had a good manager and I will never forget what she told me. She said she knew I was new and will still be learning for a while. What she expected from me now was to not ignore that feeling when something just doesn' t seem right. Grab another nurse or your charge and say, hey can you check on my patient with me? DON'T ignore those gut feelings. Also recognize the little things you ARE doing a little better or a little faster. Because with time you will gradually see some improvements, day by day, week by week. At the end of each day I would eval myself and think, How could I have done that better, or what supplies should I grab next time BEFORE I go into the patient's room. You, know..it's all about time management. If you feel like you are drowning, don't wait until you are totally under water before you ask for help. Also, be a team player, with other nurses, your CNAs and everybody else you come into contact with. Someday they made need you and you will need them. And when you wake up at 3am remember you work at a 24 hour place and another nurse is caring for your peeps. Go back to sleep. ;)

Ruas61, BSN, RN

1,368 Posts

Specializes in MDS/ UR.

What setting are you working in?

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