How long until I stop feeling stupid?

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

I've always been intelligent and able to pick up things quickly. I've never had difficulties training for any job I've had. It's really bothering me feeling so horribly stupid after a full month into my first job. Anyone else felt this way? When does it let up?

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It gets better after 3 months, you stop wanting to puke every day at about 6, and in a year you can actually fall asleep at night.

:)

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

I am five months in. I will let you know when it happens.

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Specializes in NICU Level III.

Took me at least a year.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

i'm a year out and i still feel stupid from time to time. :D i believe that as long as you work bedside you will have "stupid" moments. it is impossible to recall everything you learned once upon a time. however, with experience your instinct and rote memory through repetition start to kick in more often and the moments will become less frequent. on the bright side, i was told that if you are not going to work everyday and learning something new as a nurse, then that is a clear sign that you are dangerous!!! so do not beat yourself up!!!

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Specializes in Psych, LTC, Acute Care.

I am 9 months into my job and I still have stupid moments. Not as frequent as before but at least one time a night.

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I still have those DUH!!! days :) I DO learn something new everyday however.

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Specializes in Psych, Med/Surg, LTC.
It gets better after 3 months, you stop wanting to puke every day at about 6, and in a year you can actually fall asleep at night.

:)

Those are my thoughts, too. Every time you switch jobs, it starts over again, though. :o

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Specializes in Public Health/Underserved Populations.

I am a new grad also. I have been a nurse for 6 months and I still feel stupid every time I work. I graduated top of my nursing class. Everyone tells me it takes at least a year before you begin to be comfortable being a nurse. I am older and have had previous jobs in different fields and this is the worst job I have ever had. I think I have made a huge mistake. It took me eight years of going to school to get my BSN.

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Specializes in Ambulatory Care, ED.

I am just now starting to feel things are clicking, but every week, still have "DUH" moments here and there or I will give a med I've never given and will have to look it up. I work with an awesome RN wh's been in the field for over 10 years (she's done it all, ICU, Peds, ER) & she just got her NP. I asked when shefinally felt comfortable, she said she still feels "somewhat scared & kept on her toes" each day only because we never know what trauma, or critical pt will come in. Even after all these years, she never wants to get to the point that she loses the state of mind where she doesn't think twice about meds/procedures.

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Specializes in Acute medical rehab.

Took me a year before I was able to go home and not do a play by play in my head of every shift, and worry all day before going to work! I still get nervous sometimes and I always ask questions if i am unsure about something. i am lucky to work on a floor where the senior nurses are very helpful

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