How to get over the "new nurse" fear

[karenflrz]

Hello everyone, I am a new grad working her first job as an LPN. I work in a psyc hospital for corrections. Pretty much whoever is declared incompetent to proceed trial or not guilty by reason of insanity is there to be rehabilitated. I was enjoying my job pretty much during shadowing. Seems to me that my first day on the floor by myself, all hell broke lose. Something that had not been reported for a week came up and just when I felt like that issue was under control and I had covered my ass enough with documentation, someone decided it would be fun to chew and swallow glass. I understand that is a normal day and thigs do happen, as our patients are unpredictable. My problem is, the whole time I had a knot in my throat. I almost cried, but managed to keep my tears back. I did not take a break, I didn't use the bathroom, have a sip of water and I left an hour late. I was worried I may forget to document something or made a mistake with documentation. I also feared forgetting a task or signing some kind of log that is supposed to be done routinely each shift or something. I was also worried about my other patients feeling neglected, they were awaiting their meds in the middle of the emergency. I just fear making a mistake more than anything. It is seriously terrifying to me, I want to feel confident in my job. I know I am capable of doing so, I just would hate to mess up in the process of Learning. Did anyone have this fear during their first job experience? How did you cope with it/ manage it?

[Archerlpvn, LPN, LVN]

Sadly you will eventually make a mistake. We are only human. Do your best, ask questions and for clarification if something isn't clear. Being clear will help mitigate the chance of making a critical error.

[Moriah02]

Everyday in nursing you pray for a good day. I pray that nobody codes, or has a heart attack, or stroke, or something like that. The only thing that gives me peace is my training. I know that if something did happen I've been trained to handle it. The other I learned is that I am one person. I try to get everything done in my allot time. If I'm not able then that is why there is 24 hr care. Somethings can be passed on to the next shift.