I don't feel like a real nurse

TigraRN · Nov 1, 2018

It is ok to like your unit and not want to switch jobs. I feel like this is exactly how I feel as well. People came and go, getting into school and going to bigger and better things, but I am really just happy where I am. Why don't you get a certification or two that is applicable to PCU? I am pretty sure there are certifications/courses/you name it to improve your knowledge base without actually switching jobs. Or, have you thought of becoming a lead? What growth opportunities does your unit offer?

WalterWho · Nov 1, 2018

I see this type of behavior from new nurses all the time, and to be honest I don't believe it's because they are smarter, or have more skill than you, rather I believe it to be naive of inexperience. New nurses have this master plan in their heads; that they're going to be FNPs, CRNAs, Educators, and the like and most of them don't plan on staying long in their first gig. They jump at chances that will potentially get them closer to their goals, even if they would benefit much more from getting extended experience in entry level departments like med/surg. Some of the best nurses I know have done nothing but med/surg! But, with that being said, you must at times, especially with your experience, close your eyes and take the plunge. Turn your brain off for a minute when you hover over that submit icon on your online application to the unit you're wanting to move to. Whenever you feel like you may not be good enough, just know that no one really is until they get their feet wet. The only way you'll accomplish your goals is by actually chasing them, even if it means starting over in a new field.

Golden_RN, MSN · Nov 1, 2018

We learn SO MUCH and are exposed to so many different areas in nursing school that none of us remember everything we learned. I think a lot of nurses are over achievers and have Impostor Syndrome.

What Is Impostor Syndrome? - Scientific American

Kooky Korky, BSN, RN · Nov 2, 2018

I'm not sure of (but suspect) the definition of 'real nurse', and by that, I'm currently a 'fake nurse'.
Honestly, having been around the block a bit, 'real nursing' can be vastly overrated...

What?

Kooky Korky, BSN, RN · Nov 2, 2018

Joansmith1, I hope you will seek counseling. Somehow I sense that there is more happening in your life than the job or career issue.

There are plenty of classes you can take to learn skills, new meds, and so on. It might help to do that.

You might be one of the lucky ones because you might have found your niche right out of school. Some of us never really do settle into one thing. Some get tired of a job or setting after a while and need to change gears, try something new.

Either way, life goes on. Either way, both are contributing to society and helping others. Not all that glitters is gold. What's right for Joe or Jill is not necessarily right for you. We are all needed.

I hope you will stop comparing yourself to other nurses who are becoming NP's, CS's, CRNA's, midwives, administrators, managers, directors, teachers, etc. - anything besides bedside nursing. Understand that not everyone has to leave the bedside or become some type of boss or advanced practice nurse. But if you decide that you want to pursue a different path, I wish you every success.

Take some time, get some counseling. I'm going to suggest you go outside of work for it - privacy. God bless and good luck. Keep us posted here, will you?

Kooky Korky, BSN, RN · Nov 2, 2018

If you are comfortable where you are and have a good unit culture, stay. I have a friend, close to retirement, who stayed in the same med surg unit her whole career. She doesn't have an adventurous personality at all. She's a fantastic nurse who feels best in her comfort zone.
I'm more adventurous, and finally ended up in ER, but I'm no hotshot. I've been here 7 or so years after trying several things, and enjoying learning new things along the way. I've called myself a jack of all trades, master of none before. I finally settled into a unit with an agreeable mix of coworkers and a thoroughly entertaining patient population.
That's not to say there weren't stumbles and little failures along the way. I've had trouble fitting in at time since I march to a different drum. That's why I'm thankful that I really feel at home now.
I would recommend getting a Per Diem job elsewhere in order to test the waters. It's a good way for us less confident souls to try something new without leaving the security of our comfort zone.

Some of my school pals are in Admin, Management, or Teaching. I have worked lots of different areas and needed the variety. One has traveled for more than 40 years. And one has been in Med/Surg and ICU for 40 years. Go figure.

All are valued and appreciated. Of course, one pal dropped out of Nursing school and became a psychiatrist. Another became a dentist. One opened her own staffing agency. Some have raised families while working full-time and that is an achievement to really be admired. We have been through lots of life's weal and woe, we have weathered lots of storms. Oh and another stole a doctor in mid-life crisis from his wife of 30 years, but these things happen. I guess he was wanting to be stolen.

Hey, good luck. Just get that counseling before you leap too far.

sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN · Nov 2, 2018

Been an RN for 7 years. Still working the same job I started as a new grad (MS/PCU). During that time I've watched everyone I went to school with change jobs at least once, get their Masters, etc. I've watched MANY, MANY new grad RN's start on my floor only to move on to bigger and better as soon as they could. Meanwhile I've done nothing and I almost feel embarrassed by this. I feel like I'm not learning and growing and advancing in my profession. I watch other nurses, even newer ones, and they all seem to go around with such confidence. I feel they all know so much more than me. At this point I feel like I've forgot more than I know and my skills are somehow diminishing. I want to get a new job but I'm too intimidated to even apply. I feel I'm qualified for nothing and not good enough. I feel like my skills and knowledge aren't where they should be. I feel I'm successful at my current job because I've been there so long but wouldn't be successful elsewhere...like I'm almost 'faking it'. Need some serious feedback/advice.

I congratulate you........surviving 7 years on MS/PCU unit.....

Even with my 4 decades experience in critical care, ER, CCU, Cvicu.........which we're actually a " cakewalk "....... med surge kicked my booty....I commend you....

MelEpiRN · Nov 2, 2018

I am one of those nurses who went on for the masters/ switched jobs, etc. I have the utmost admiration and respect for those who stay and want to stay at the bedside. I think it's amazing. If you want a change, learn something new, definitely go for it. But please don't feel like what you're doing isn't enough or somehow wrong because of others choices. We need people like you! I bet you're super valuable to the floor you work on.

Career Columnist / Author · Nov 2, 2018

Consider some counseling to help you through your feelings of being stuck. It can be the best thing you ever do, truly.

LPNTORN704 · Nov 2, 2018

Why did you go for your masters if you're feeling this insecure about being in the profession?Not trying to be mean but that's a lot of time and money to not have skills and to be unhappy.

Medic_to_BSN, BSN, RN · Nov 2, 2018

Been an RN for 7 years. Still working the same job I started as a new grad (MS/PCU). During that time I've watched everyone I went to school with change jobs at least once, get their Masters, etc. I've watched MANY, MANY new grad RN's start on my floor only to move on to bigger and better as soon as they could. Meanwhile I've done nothing and I almost feel embarrassed by this. I feel like I'm not learning and growing and advancing in my profession. I watch other nurses, even newer ones, and they all seem to go around with such confidence. I feel they all know so much more than me. At this point I feel like I've forgot more than I know and my skills are somehow diminishing. I want to get a new job but I'm too intimidated to even apply. I feel I'm qualified for nothing and not good enough. I feel like my skills and knowledge aren't where they should be. I feel I'm successful at my current job because I've been there so long but wouldn't be successful elsewhere...like I'm almost 'faking it'. Need some serious feedback/advice.

I'm just a student nurse in my first semester of nursing school and with the little bit that I've seen in that time, I respect you for having been a nurse for seven years that has experienced all that I'm sure you have. It's not about degrees and certifications; it's about taking care of people and doing the best you can to improve their quality of life - if even for a shift. I am still mostly (or completely) naive to most of the real-world nursing issues, but I know it is not easy, and you've been doing it for seven years. Congratulations and thank you for all you have done.

LibraNurse27, BSN, RN · Nov 3, 2018

I work in PCU and I really admire you for staying 7 years! It is so busy with patients teetering between going to the floor or going back to ICU! I bet you are much more valuable to your coworkers, your patients and your organization than you know. My absolute favorite coworker has been a nurse for 20 years at our hospital, all of it on Med-Surg/PCU. She could totally get a different job with all her experience but she feels comfortable and wants to retire at our hospital. She is so helpful and knowledgeable about patients, conditions, organization's policies and politics. I appreciate her so much and I am in no way judging her for staying so long; if anything I am amazed and impressed! Do what makes you happy =)