Clueless New RN Grad

babynursewannab · Jan 29, 2003

I'm not there yet, but from what I've heard from many, many students (and teachers, AND working RN's) your feelings are perfectly normal.

Stargazer · Jan 29, 2003

jfpruitt, check out this thread. Lots of folks feeling just like you are plus some advice from the veterans.

llg, PhD, RN · Jan 29, 2003

A lot (if not most) new grads feel this way at times. Whatever you do, don't delay taking the NCLEX. Once you pass it, you never need to take it again as long as you keep your license current. However, the longer you wait to take it after graduation, the less chance you have of passing it. Take it and get your license while you can. That way, you will always have it.

About your jitters ... make sure your first job is one you like and one that includes a good orientation program. A good hospital expects new grads to be "shakey" at first and will provide the support you need to make the transition. Don't take a job that throws you into the deep end of the pool right away with little support.

llg

Erinkate2959 · Jan 30, 2003

jfpruitt,

I am in the same boat. I graduate in approx. THREE months and feel like I need three more years of practice in school before I will be ready. However, I just read a couple of research articles (for school of course) that said graduate nurses are notoriously anxious and have low self confidence and self-esteem. It is the same for everyone, no matter where you went to school or for how long. What makes a difference is how much you take in and learn once you start working.

Coytoy · Feb 10, 2003

You will learn. It's ok, just relax. I just passed NCLEX and received my license. I too was worried after I graduated. Then I worried about getting a job. Then I worried about NCLEX. You are suffering from post-traumatic nursing school syndrome with the main symptom being worry. Have faith in yourself, you've gotten this far.

EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN · Feb 10, 2003

You'll be okay! You said yourself that you have the knowledge of disease processes, meds, etc.... the skills will come with time. Everyone in my program is really nervous too. Just make sure you get a job with a good orientation program.

l.rae · Feb 10, 2003

Originally posted by jfpruitt
I'm graduating in May with my RN and already have a BS in biology and have been in the medical field for over 5 years now, just not direct patient care. I feel with my education and experience, I'm very knowledgeable with disease processes, labs, meds, etc. However, feel I'm clueless about actual hands on procedures. I have done my share of caths, NG's, etc, on actual patients in clinicals and in the lab, but still feel scared to death to do this alone when I graduate. Am I just totally clueless and shouldn't bother with my NCLEX or is this a normal reaction???? Thanks for listening....

JF...it is a myth that one actually graduates a "nurse"....it is really on the job training and all that you have learned in school is to be applied to this training.....no one expects you to graduate as an "experienced" nurse.....ask a lot of questions, be proactive in finding solutions/answers....find a mentor you respect....skills are a small portion of nursing and eventually you will be competant at those skills you do the most....not to worry about that....assessment is the key,noticing HOW your pt's respond to your skills and interventions, imo separates the good nurses from the great nurses....again, aquired with time and experience... if you did reasonably well in school, you should pass boards, l mean what have you got to lose but a few more bucks and a couple of hours out of your time to find out?.....go for it...relax;)

essarge · Feb 10, 2003

PTNS (post traumatic nursing school syndrome)!! :roll What a wonderful diagnosis! I think mine started in my sophomore year and has gradually gotten worse!! :eek: Maybe when I finally graduate it will dissapate some??