Hello everybody...I've been on the student forum and I found it to be very helpful, so I thought I would come here for some advice..
I just graduated on May 11th and took my Nclex on June 13th and passed..praise the lord! I thought that all my anxiety and fear would be gone once that was over, but I've found myslef equally fearful of my future...Let me explain....
I was hired at a facility that deals with behavioral issues for adolescents. I was totally excited because behavioral health is my passion. When I was hired on, they thought it would be a great idea for me to do some time in Med Surg...I hate Med Surg...I actually hate any sort of nursing that has to do with sick people or hurt people. It's just not me. I have no passion for it, no love for it whatsoever...it really is my worse nightmare. I would rather flip burgers than do any of that, but in order for me to get the job where I really wanted I agreed to it...
I guess my biggest issue is the fear I face. I feel like, even though I graduated from nursing school, that I am a complete idiot. I didn't have a whole lot of practice in clinicals and still haven't been able to do the simple things like IV's, cathters, etc. I'm so afraid that I will get on that med surg floor and my incompetience will shine brighter than the sun. I tend to feel really uneasy in new situations and during those times I completely lose focus and start acting like an idiot....I'm afraid people will think I'm dumb, I'm afraid I will give the wrong med and look stupid, I'm afraid to talk to doctors, ...I could go on and on about the things I'm fearful of...
I guess I'm writing to find out if there is anybody out there who struggled with the same things I'm going through right now? Anybody who felt like they didn't know a thing about nursing even though they graduated? I would like to know how you overcame it...how did you find the courage to even walk through the front door of the hospital?
I would MUCH MUCH rather work with a new grad that is a little unsure and is willing to ask lots of questions, than a smarty-pants know-it-all with a bad attitude.
You are right where you are supposed to be, and I'm betting you'll be JUST FINE!!
Hey I am in the same boat my friend. I HATE med-surg but in order to get the job that I want in the future I have to do it. Did you end up getting a job on med-surg?
rely on the knowledge and skills that u picked up in nursing school. just try to relax, and ask Q's when u need to. Never assume that u know everything.
You passed NCLEX didn't you? You are competent with your knowledge. Now the real education begins. Sometimes I think nursing school is just the prerequisites for being a nurse. This is just another phase to work through. Who knows maybe you will find out you love med surg once your fear resides. Also a good nurse is never fearless. You should never feel you know everything, be able to fly through med passes-anyone could mess up if they skip steps or ignore 5 rights because they 'know it all.' Relax and learn and ask questions. The most reassuring thing about your post is that you are worried. It is the ones that aren't that scare us.
Behaviorial issues with adolescents would scare me a whole lot more than a few sick people in bed!!!! hehe
You truly don't have to know how to do anything but the basics when you are a new grad. Isn't it amazing that you have spent years passing exams and clinicals and then the NCLEX...what an accomplishment is all that???!!! And now start all over with insecurity!! I know what of I speak, about a year ago, I started in the ICU, which meant taking an ICU course and being precepted again, it has taken me over a year to start feeling really secure in that environment. I keep reminding myself that fear and excitement have the exact same body sensations!! I promise you that you can do it!!! Personally, I think finally being a new grad is easier than being a nursing student in the hospital. You should be treated with more respect by at least some of your coworkers. And those are the people you should really connect with and attach yourself to...because they will be the best support for dealing with those first day and week and month jitters.
See yourself as succeeding and you will!!! What would it look like if you were a success at this?? Imagine that and it will happen.
:yeah:
IMustBeCrazy
439 Posts
Edisonnurse,
I would MUCH MUCH rather work with a new grad that is a little unsure and is willing to ask lots of questions, than a smarty-pants know-it-all with a bad attitude.
You are right where you are supposed to be, and I'm betting you'll be JUST FINE!!