I'm so nervous about going on my own

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Oct 23, 2008

EVERY nurse felt this way at one time. If they did not, then I would be the one to feel nervous as that nurse is a time bomb waiting to happen. Be sure to continue to use your resources and ask questions. Pay attention to more mature nurses to see how they prioritize and manage time. Speak up when you do not understand or agree. You may not feel comfortable in your role for many months, and that is normal. But it will come.

deeDawntee, RN · Oct 23, 2008

I second the above poster, we have all felt that way. That being said, I can't think of anyone I know who has prepared themselves as well as you have to be an outstanding nurse right out of the gate! You will be amazing and no doubt you already are. Perhaps you could make yourself a checklist on a 3 X 5 card that you could glance at as you go through your shift. Not that I think you will need it, but I think it will help ease these jitters before hand. When I was new, as I walked into work, I use to see the entire building just full of people who were potential resources for me to do the best care possible for my patients. (Even though this was a visualization for me, it really isn't that far off...) You really are never "alone". There are always resources.

I can't tell you not to be scared or nervous, but also if you notice, fear and excitement have the same body sensations. If you can take your attention off of what happens if I make a mistake... and keep your attention on how much difference you are going to be making in people's lives, you will feel more excited than scared.

See yourself as a success and you will be. I promise!!! :yeah: :yeah: :yeah:

Faeriewand, ASN, RN · Oct 25, 2008

thanks guys. just an update on me. :) i did ask for more orientation time. i was so unsure about myself because i had not received any feedback from anyone on the floor. my boss said that she would have gotten a negative report on me if anyone had any concerns. but she did give me more time. when she asked the nurses for feedback they said i was almost there but not quite. i feel good again. i do feel like i'm almost there. i still learn something every day. my preceptor today showed me how to organize my clipboard and i'm using her system. i really like it.

lol deedawntee when you wrote "i can't think of anyone i know who has prepared themselves as well as you have to be an outstanding nurse right out of the gate!" i was wondering who you were talking about! :lol2: oh wait! me! :bugeyes:

i am really trying hard. thanks deedawntee and classicdame for your support and wonderful words of wisdom. :redpinkhe

Caffeine_IV · Oct 25, 2008

Good luck to you! I am going off orientation this coming Sunday and I'm shaking in my nursing shoes lol!

deeDawntee, RN · Oct 25, 2008

THanks for your kind words... One of the strangest things about nursing and something that took me a long time to get used to was that you rarely get feedback from your 'supervisors' about your performance. (unless it is bad) It is a strange feeling. After being in school, where you are constantly scrutinized, it can be a disconcerting. You are truly your own boss in many ways and must answer to yourself as to whether you are doing a good job or not. (and of course, your patients will give you feedback!) It is really important to be able to give yourself that positive feedback that you may crave. I would highly recommend starting a journal where you keep a record of all the wonderful things that you do and all the positive interactions that you have, that is where your confidence will be found. Don't look to those who are 'supervisors', you are now the person responsible for your own practice!! Isn't that awesome??!!

You can do it!!! :anpom::anpom::anpom:

mamiekay · Dec 12, 2008

This being the middle of December, I can only assume you've gone off of precepting/orientation and are now working "on your own," but hopefully this will help others who read this thread. When I was about a week away from going off orientation, I sat down with my preceptor, nurse manager & educator for a "final" evaluation. I was near tears, telling them I wasn't ready to be out there without a preceptor looking over my shoulder. They all reassured me that I was ready and to come to any of them if I got out there and did feel lost. Fortunately I work in a very supportive environment. I voiced my fears to one of my coworkers who said to me, "You need to remember that you will NEVER be on your own out there. You have a unit full of people who are ready to help whenever you ask, and someone's always got your back." That really helped! It didn't make me feel any more confident in my skills, but it made me feel better about asking for help. And I've asked for a lot of help in the past nine months! Occasionally someone will roll their eyeballs at me, but I've learned who NOT to ask. Generally people on my unit are willing to help in any way they can, as long as I'm making the effort to learn and progress. I feel more confident now in taking on my full patient load, but I have questions every single night, and I need help with something almost every night. But so do the experienced nurses, and that helps alleviate some of my anxiety and self-deprecation. As my manager told me before I started, "I'll get nervous when you STOP asking questions and asking for help."

military girl · Dec 31, 2008

Hi,

A positive note is that you have worked the floor as a unit secretary. That is a huge help to you because as you said, you know the routine of the floor and the docs.

Organization is a big thing and everyone has their own way of doing things. Printing out the labs helps me because I have it right there in front of me, in case I have to call the MD and the computer decides to do strange things(LOL).

Anyway, realize that in nursing, we are all here to help each other out. Seek the help and mentorship of one of the older or more experienced nurses. And no one and I repeat no one will think that you are dumb for asking questions. Remember, the only dumb question is the one that is not asked. Err on the side of caution, sometimes that gut instinct is the one that saves the patient. Remember also, as nurses, we are the eyes and ears for the docs. We are often the first ones to make that rapid assessment of the patient, and with seasoning and experience, you will be able to look at a patient and know that something is not right. Rapid interventions is what nursing is all about.

Just one thing, as you become more seasoned and experienced, help the new nurse that is coming up after you. Train one and teach one.