Graduating soon, feeling unprepared

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Mar 29, 2017

I graduated Magna Cum Laude from an ASN program. I could not nurse my way out of a wet paper bag for 2 years. I turned out okay!

Your degree will certify to apply for nursing licensure. Now you get a job ...and start applying your knowledge. You already have CNA skills, taking a course would be a waste of time.

Your first course of action as a registered nurse, will be to delegate to the CNA's. NEVER let them see you sweat.

"I couldn't even get a wheelchair open the other day! I feel like a fool. "

:roflmao: Been there, done that. 35 years later.. I still can't get those suckers open.

Have a little faith in yourself. Let us know how it's going.

TriciaJ, RN · Mar 29, 2017

I graduated Magna Cum Laude from an ASN program. I could not nurse my way out of a wet paper bag for 2 years. I turned out okay!
Your degree will certify to apply for nursing licensure. Now you get a job ...and start applying your knowledge. You already have CNA skills, taking a course would be a waste of time.
Your first course of action as a registered nurse, will be to delegate to the CNA's. NEVER let them see you sweat.
"I couldn't even get a wheelchair open the other day! I feel like a fool. "
Been there, done that. 35 years later.. I still can't get those suckers open.
Have a little faith in yourself. Let us know how it's going.

Push down on the seat. Don't try to pull the arms apart.

OP, hopefully you will get an orientation with a preceptor. Level with the preceptor right off the bat: "I don't think my school prepared me that well and I don't feel confident in my basic skills." That shows the preceptor that you're for real and motivated. Hopefully that helps.

Good luck. You'll probably do better than you think.

LovingLife123 · Mar 29, 2017

I did very little skills in school. Here's a secret, we don't make beds that way!!! I still have issues with the feet on wheelchairs. I suck at IV sticks. You know when I'm happy? When I see what's going on with my patient and they are alive at the end of my shift. Those "skills" you speak of can be learned by pretty much anyone.

The skills you want are to see what is going on with your patient and respond before it happens. That comes with years of experience.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Mar 29, 2017

Push down on the seat. Don't try to pull the arms apart.
OP, hopefully you will get an orientation with a preceptor. Level with the preceptor right off the bat: "I don't think my school prepared me that well and I don't feel confident in my basic skills." That shows the preceptor that you're for real and motivated. Hopefully that helps.
Good luck. You'll probably do better than you think.

"Push down on the seat. Don't try to pull the arms apart."

Thanks, tried that..while pulling the arms and the foot rests apart and trying to look cool at the same time. :smokin:

oncivrn · Apr 3, 2017

I just sit down on the wheelchair myself and it opens up.

I was woefully unprepared for my first nursing job, skill-wise. But after about a year I realized that I had a decent knowledge base. Nursing school can only really introduce basic skills. You don't leave knowing how to do it all. You learn most things on the job.

Lev, MSN, RN, NP · Apr 3, 2017

I continue to have issues opening wheelchairs, 4 years out. My program was also very light on the skills. Fortunately I did work PRN as a CNA. Hospitals don't expect new grads to know much skills wise which is why new grads in the acute care setting often get a 3 to 6 month orientation depending on specialty.

TeeKay12 · Apr 4, 2017

I attended a 4 year university, considered to be one of the best private schools in the state for nursing. I was an "alternate" student - I was 40 when I started! I have a disabled daughter, and I've dealt with WCs (power and manual), vents, suction, trachs, meds, PICCs, you name it.

Guess what? My first job as a nurse - I felt like I had no clue. I learned. I asked lots of questions, talked to everyone I could, and watched and learned.

Your degree states you fulfilled the requirements for it. Passing the NCLEX means you've met the bare minimum requirements to be reasonably competent for patient care. Neither guarantees you know what to do. You're one up on the majority of new grads I've precepted - you admit you don't know it all. It will come.

Green Tea, RN · Apr 5, 2017

Even though I am not a new graduate nurse anymore, I still have questions at work daily. I recently transferred to a speciality area in the same hospital.

What I have learned so far is that asking appropriate "person" and "timing" are important. More you ask questions, you will learn who is good (and eager) to answer to your question at your work place. I usually ask my educator first. If she is not available, then go to PM charge (AM charge is not good) or fellow nurses.

I usually don't ask a question to nurse aids unless it is something what they always do and they do better than nurses do. I think in general many nurse aids are not comfortable to tell nurses what to do.

Also, it is always not a good idea to ask a question who is busy unless you have something urgent (it sounds obvious, but I have been asked a question when I had things to do right away. I was not happy about it.)

And what you need to do is keep trying even if it is not comfortable.

Good luck.

MunoRN, RN · Apr 5, 2017

As a general rule, nursing students start nursing school not having any idea what it is they don't know and mainly what you learn is how much you don't know, which is actually really important. I worry far more about new grads that don't feel they still have a lot to learn.

I don't think there's really any reason to be concerned that you have not been thoroughly trained in the art of bed making or how to open a wheelchair, I would be concerned if these were things your program chose to focus on.