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Discussion

In an awkward place!

I'm a new grad with 7 months experience, and I'm feeling frustrated. Maybe someone could provide me with some insight on this situation. I have a great fit with my unit, for the most part. I get along well with the other nurses, our nephrologists, and other staff. I am enjoying developing relationships with our patients. Since our patients are with us for 3-4 hours at a time, 3 days a week, this is important. I love to learn and just joined the nephrology nursing professional organization in order to learn more. The problem lies here, however- I still feel like I know so little. I am always running to people asking questions about things I think really ought to be simple. Most of the nurses in the department have been there at least 5 years, so most of them are very comfortable. I feel very awkward- granted, not as much as when I started as a fresh newbie, but I'm still in an uncomfortable place. I feel badly if I know they are busy, but we're all busy and we all want the best for our patients- so I will ask. I just hate to be running to other people all the time. I like to have the answers. I want my peers and my patients to respect me. Most important, I want to be a good nurse but right now I feel like I haven't quite grown into my license yet. I put my badge on with the great big RN and still doesn't seem quite real. There's a knowledge base that I'm expected to have. I think it's in there somewhere but in the middle of a crisis, I don't know if I could implement it well.

Interestingly, I must project a more composed image than how I feel inside. My charge nurse the other night told me she was reviewing her assignments for the evening, and thought about me. She thought that I would not need anything, that I would be fine. She then told me she remembered that I had only been a nurse for 7 months- and decided to ask if I needed anything. I took her up on the offer to talk, and it was helpful. :nurse:

Sorry for the lengthy ramble. Any thoughts you have would be appreciated. I'm trying to not be discouraged, but I feel like I'm isolated. Thanks for your help!!

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    you need to study; it is that simple. nursing, similar to other professions (cpas, engineers, lawyers, mds, etc), requires contestant knowledge progression. we don't just go to school, get a license, and go to work without being required to continue to learn and grow in our area of specialty outside of work. in fact, if you do not continue to study and grow your knowledge base on your own, you will become dangerous to patients. nurse managers and charge nurses will assume that you have knowledge and skills you do not process based upon your years of experience and will assign patients to you that you are unable to care for properly.

    a good way to study is to study for certs in your area of specialty. this way you can focus your study and actually be able to contribute to your unit and your patients with knowledge that a nurse with experience should have in your area of specialty. plus, be sure to join a specialty organization so that you can receive seminar information, discounts on resources, and journals regarding your area of specify to keep abreast on the latest in your field.

    if you are already doing the above and are still having to ask lots of questions, do not worry.... it is always ok to ask questions. one day, maybe closer to two years, you will not have as many?

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    Give yourself a break, and give yourself time. There is no magic bullet that makes up for it. By all means, read specialty specific material, go to conferences, seek out those that can mentor you and help you in any way. But know this, many times even reading/skill challenges don't stick until you've seen it yourself. It is very, very common to spend your 1st year post license just getting your feet under you.

    So, make a little note area, so that when things come up at work, you can go gather more info, and study it. For the first several years that I was a nurse, I had a huge 3 ring binder with just that kind of info at home. Helped tons.

    You'll do just fine.

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    • Experts

    I gather you're doing dialysis or are on a renal floor. Please don't feel bad that you ask questions. I'm a nephrology APN (for almost 5 years now) and have been a nurse a total of 19 years - and I still ask questions!

    Nothing wrong with asking questions. Don't ever become complacent - that's when mistakes are made.

    Good luck - sounds like you are doing great.

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