I feel like nursing school didn't prepare me for work

Kristiernbsn · Mar 28, 2016

Just to clarify, are you talking about practicing skills in a lab or real patients? I had so many opportunities to start IVs and insert foleys and then some on real patients and the hospitals in my area are already stretched thin with nursing students.

I'm not sure who you're talking to, but I am talking about real patients. Practicing on mannequins doesn't prepare you for anything except checking off for a grade.

I'm curious what you mean "stretched thin with nursing students". Do you mean too many students? Or not enough? How are there so many procedures available to you? The hospital I'm assigned to is small, and there are usually only 1 or 2 procedures (IV starts or Foley insertions, or central line dressing changes) per day, with 12 students vying for them. Over 16 weeks, my chances are low.

sweetsthrnsass · Mar 28, 2016

I meant there wasn't enough space for all the nursing students so shifts were being cut in half or shortened. The newer classes haven't even made it into the hospital yet. And I'm not sure why I've had more opportunities. It seems weird that you haven't! Maybe my program assigns fewer students per unit or something.

bgxyrnf, MSN, RN · Mar 29, 2016

I graduated from nursing school having done 1 Foley, 2 IVs (on patients - several more on classmates), and 0 NG/OGs.

Really ain't no thing cuz once I started working in the ED, I acquired the skills quickly (though I still suck at OG tubes on ventilated patients for some odd reason that I can't noodle out).

Gem1984 · Mar 29, 2016

I graduated from nursing school having done 1 Foley, 2 IVs (on patients - several more on classmates), and 0 NG/OGs.
Really ain't no thing cuz once I started working in the ED, I acquired the skills quickly (though I still suck at OG tubes on ventilated patients for some odd reason that I can't noodle out).

Are you an LPN? I ask because as an LPN in my state, there are few positions for LPNs in EDs and hospitals period, so in a doctors office, or other "common LPN facility" its harder to get all those skills so quickly because you may be in a specialty for instance, where they want you to already know stuff well enough, for the times when you "may" have to start an IV or something. And there are also no residency programs, so it makes it a tad bit harder on the LPN who may have had lackluster clinicals during school.

Thats awesome that you were able to build your skills up so fast though. Always nice to hear, positive stories from fellow nurses.

bgxyrnf, MSN, RN · Mar 29, 2016

Are you an LPN? I ask because as an LPN in my state, there are few positions for LPNs in EDs and hospitals period, so in a doctors office, or other "common LPN facility" its harder to get all those skills so quickly because you may be in a specialty for instance, where they want you to already know stuff well enough, for the times when you "may" have to start an IV or something. And there are also no residency programs, so it makes it a tad bit harder on the LPN who may have had lackluster clinicals during school.
Thats awesome that you were able to build your skills up so fast though. Always nice to hear, positive stories from fellow nurses.

Nope, I've only been an RN. The story is the same here in NorCal... limited acute-care opportunities for LVNs, especially in the ED. I did work at one small facility where I did 1900-0700 in the ED. I had an LVN second me until 2300 but then they went home and I was alone.

Cactus Nurse · Mar 30, 2016

I felt the same at first! But let's be realistic, we couldn't have learned everything in school! If a job was willing to hire you knowing you are a new grad, then don't worry! They expect you to have questions and be a bit slower at first! We all have to start somewhere!

Just be confident in what you do, ask questions, take notes while training, and read charts when you can so you get a better of idea if what goes on when you're there and not there!!!

Don't worry, you will do great!

timeis · Apr 8, 2016

Let the fear and anxiety motivate you to be the best nurse you can be. I think all good nurses "listen" to fear and anxiety and use it to dig into building a confident foundational knowledge. All new grads should be upfront with their employers by asking for a solid orientation period like 2 to 3 months. Use this time to your advantage. I have seen too many orientees ride the clock during their time and then panic when they are on the floor alone. Pay attention to the nurses who always seem to have it together and learn from them. Ask them to share their brain forms and methods of time management. In fact when I was new it was time management that got me more than the patient care knowledge.

Jensmom7, BSN, RN · Apr 8, 2016

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This pretty much sums it up.