I feel too stupid for nursing

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Specializes in LTC.

Hey everyone. So I'm a "new nurse" but not not really. I received my license in April 2016 so I'm coming on my 2nd year of nursing. Why did I post in this category? Well because at my new job, this is my first time actually being a "nurse".

At my old job, I just passed meds. I didn't do much of anything else (wound care, paperwork, etc). So I started my new job in a assistant living facility and do I feel like the company idiot

Our building opened 2 months ago and all of the nurses seemed to know exactly what to do. It takes me forever to do things, and all these labs, new orders, etc, I just feel mentally slow. I am having so much trouble picking this up.

My classmate also works with me and she has it. It's like everything just came naturally to her. And with my depression and anxiety, I feel like I'm in a fog most days (I am getting treated for these things, but still struggle with it).

At this point, I feel like I should give up. I've resorted doing care with the CNAs just because I feel alienated by the nurses who get frustrated about how dumb I am. I think even the CNAs think I'm a complete idiot too.

What can I do to be a better nurse???

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You're going to have to work really hard to get better. It's a new job doing new things.

Remember that everyone is an idiot sometimes, so give yourself a break. Focus on getting good at one thing at a time if many things are giving you trouble. Make a list of the nursing things you don't know during the day and look them up when you get home. Stop working with the CNAs and do nursing stuff. You're not going to get better at anything not doing it. The saying is "perception is reality" but you need to stop believing all the hype. Change your perception, your attitude and get with the program! Good luck.

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Ask for help!

I was an LPN for 12 years before I became an RN, and I still feel like an idiot at least once per shift.

When I do, I ask for help. I straight up say, "I don't know how to do this, can you show me?" Or ,"I don't understand what this means, can you explain it to me?".

Be straight up with the other nurses there and tell them your last year was filed with just basic stuff and you'd like their help to get better at the skills you use in the current job.

I'm pretty sure they'll be willing to help if you approach it that way. There's nothing more frustrating to me than working with another nurse who clearly has no clue what they're doing who refuses to ask for help.

I'm more than happy to help those who ask for it, and so are 99% of the nurses I've worked with.

If you run away from these tasks because they're hard, you'll never get better at them, and you'll always feel behind the curve.

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Trust me, I totally get it. I feel like an idiot occasionally too. I've been a nurse for 6 years now, and there are always things that come up that you've never encountered before... but that's normal. Because you don't know everything, and the day that you think you do... It's time to hang up your scrubs.

When I first started working the floor (after a year and a half at a desk job) I felt like I was going to be a complete failure. I didn't know how to a quarter of what the other nurses did, and I didn't know how to answer the questions my patients had. But that's ok too. Because it all comes with experience. If you stick with it and don't give up on yourswlf, it will start to get easier.

Stop avoiding the other nurses, you won't ever learn that way.

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I felt like this too. As time passes you'll get a routine of how to do things. Don't stress because then you'll be too worried and not be able to focus. It's frustrating, cause it's new to you. Just give it time and stop worrying what people think of you cause I'm sure they are just as dumb trying to act smart hehe

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I felt the same way as a new LPN many years ago. Just hang in there, and you will get it. You're not stupid. A stupid person could not pass A&P. ((Hugs for you)).

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Specializes in LTC.

Hey, I often feel the same way and am also being treated for depression and anxiety which makes things 1000x's harder than it is for people who don't struggle with those issues.

At least you have the courage to work in a facility! I don't which is why I'm stuck doing private duty after 2 years. Keep going and don't give up!

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