Graduation is coming... feel a little nervous

[Nolli]

So I'm graduating next June, but I'm starting to feel a little nervous about it. I have not encountered all the things we have studied and am worried about failing to recognize them or making a mistake when I graduate. I know one of the more trying things is going to be managing multiple patients. I know I can handle two, but three can be a stretch when they require more attention or have a laundry list of medications. I also feel like checking the meds takes forever, but I refuse to be unsafe so instead I'm slow. I have great grades, but it seems like there is so much that I still don't know. When will it all come together and is residency something that will help fill in the gaps in knowledge or will I just be expected to know?

[PurpleLover]

Breathe

Do not think about the what ifs. The things you are worried about now, when you have clinical work on trying to learn how to better and more efficiently handle things. It take a mixture of practice and experience to get into the swing of things.

[Compassion_x]

I think this is fairly normal. I will graduate from my ADN program around the same time. I don't think anyone feels totally prepared by graduation. New nurses starting their first jobs typically lack confidence as well. It's something that comes with time and experience, and that's okay.

[Nolli]

Thanks, I wasn't really sure if it was just me or if its an actual thing. Prior to having my nursing preceptors talk about it I've been too focused on school and passing it to really think about what comes next.

[northmississippi]

I've always heard you become a nurse by being a nurse, but it would be wise i think to do all you can to learn IV mastery, caths, and get a book dedicated to assessment.

[DIVINELY FAVORED]

I graduate in May and often have the same fear. Nursing school is so demanding and we know that if we don't pass, we would not become nurses. But, I definitely agree that until we are hired somewhere we will never get the true feel of being a nurse. There is no point in even stressing over it. Learn or rather get familiar with all you can in clinical. Put all your focus on passing your courses, graduate, pass NCLEX and pray that when you get hired you have an amazing preceptor. Good Luck with everything Class of 2014 stand up!!!!!.

[DatMurse]

While confidence is good, sometimes doubt help you become more aware.