Getting comfortable in a new role at work

[knapphe]

I am a nursing student now and feel like it takes me a good deal of time to become comfortable with new skills while in a clinical setting - and thats under the supervision of a register nurse. Sometimes I worry that when I graduate, it will take me a while to become comfortable working in my new role as an independent RN. My question is as follows: How long after getting hired did it take you to feel comfortable at work? Im curious on average how long it takes other to feel as if they gotten used to the flow of things and are able to preform skills competently, and confidently. Thanks!

[SierraBravo]

Sometimes I worry that when I graduate, it will take me a while to become comfortable working in my new role as an independent RN.

Here's a news flash... Expect that it WILL take you a while to become comfortable in your skills and responsibilities as a RN once you graduate. :)

But seriously, everyone is different. I've heard some say that 6 months was the "aha" moment for them, while others said 1 year. Don't focus on some arbitrary time frame, instead focus on learning as much as you can while practicing safely. Ask ALOT of questions. There is going to be alot to learn, but before you know it you will wake up one day and have that feeling that you finally feel comfortable.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I totally agree with the previous poster. Research shows that it takes 6-12 months for new grads to start feeling comfortable.

However ... don't expect to ever feel "totally" comfortable. There are always new skills, new roles, new procedures, and new challenges in nursing. We move forward. You'll need to learn to work well even though you are in "new territory" and not have it distress you.