Novice nurse ... off orientation into second month...

[humble-nurse]

I am an IMCU nurse, on my second month off orientation. I picked up the night shifts as I wanted to get hold of the new profession. Time management is a big thing along with knowing what is best and when. I get panicked with a little variation in my patient's condition. Getting better with shift reports and documentation. Some days I feel that I am not a good fit, as I am handling another's life. Is it quite normal or should I have to rethink???? Please advice.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

The first year of nursing is very, very difficult. Almost all of us question our choice to be a nurse, we all feel anxious about the sudden, overwhelming responsibility. We feel stupid, we doubt ourselves. That's what keeps us safe. When we feel stupid, we work extra hard to make sure we're doing the right things, that we're learning the drugs or procedures we're anxious about. A new nurse who is confident and complacent scares me.

As a Crusty Old Bat, it's very difficult to teach a new nurse who is convinced she knows everything.