I always feel like an idiot.

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Hey Allnurses,

I'm sure this topic has been posted on before, but I could use some encouragement right now. If you've read my previous post, you know I'm a new grad RN. I got my first job on a cardiac step down unit. And I have to say, it's definitely not what I expected. I'm not in orientation any longer, so I'm on my own.

The problem is: I always feel like an idiot.

I know I'm not an idiot, but I can't help but feel that way. It's not that I don't know information about, say a med or a disease process, it's applying it that's the problem. If I'm confused about something I'll ask a coworker, who are all great, but as soon as I get an answer I'm like "Duh, I knew that!" Or say I'll give a potassium pill, which is very common, I know I'm supposed to check the potassium level first, but sometimes I don't remember until afterward. I suppose I'm just having a problem putting all the pieces together. I feel so rushed sometimes its hard to think. Fortunately, due to previous experience as an LPN and a great preceptor, I've been able to keep my head above water.

All I'd like to know is, please tell me this goes away and one day I'll be competent :facepalm:

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Specializes in ICU.

Don't fret. I'm a new grad also, and I feel just like you most of the time. I'm lucky that I have some awesome coworkers. They say it takes about a year to start feeling comfortable. I just keep banking on that. From time to time, I also look back to where I was 4 months ago. I've grown leaps and bounds and I bet you have also. Just remember, take it day by day. I'm keeping the faith that it will all come to me at some point.

Just keep trucking along.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

You're competent now. But eventually you will feel better about yourself and you'll be that great preceptor.

I've been at it a while and I'm the mentor, but there are still some days I feel like a bumbling idiot. It keeps me on my toes.

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Specializes in PACU, pre/postoperative, ortho.

It goes away with time...until you decide to change jobs, specialties, employers, etc. Then you have another adjustment period & get to feel like an idiot all over again (although not for as long).

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Completely normal--you're a new RN, you shouldn't feel you know everything; new nurses who think they know it all scare the bejeebers out of me.

I've been an RN for a long time but I recently changed specialties, so I know where you're coming from. It does get better, but never as quickly as you would like! Hang in there!

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Thank you all for your comments. I do look back from just a couple of months ago and realize how much I've learned. I think my nerves just get the best of me sometimes. But again, thank you all!

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I'm a new nurse, too. I hear you. I feel the same way like you do too. At times, I still feel like an idiot. I do someday will feel more competent and be able to be confident. I work on nights on Med/Surg floor so I feel comfortable asking my co-worker. I am more anxious when working extra hours on days and PMs because there are so much more activities going on that I have not learned during my orientation or do not know. I feel incompetent when I ask about little minor stuff.

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Well, at least were in this together :dead: like previous posters have said, it just takes time.

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