Is it just me ????

*Blessed2BaNRS* · Jun 18, 2007

Hi Aanlegna

I am sorry that I can't help you any, but I don't start NS till August! I just wanted to say welcome to Allnurses and know that you aren't alone in your quest for more knowledge. I have read lots of posts on here from students who are fixing to graduate that say that they don't have a clue. So you are definitely not alone!!! Unfortunately, I think that it is all too common to graduate NS and not feel like you know very much. That knowledge comes with experience out in the field.

I think that you are doing just fine, considering you are still in school. Just hang in there. It will eventually all "click."

Good luck, and again, welcome to allnurses.

LolaSPN · Jun 18, 2007

I have the same feeling you do. I graduate in just under 7 weeks. I feel like I know nothing.

AnalegnaRN · Jun 18, 2007

Thanks Laura for the welcome and LolaSPN for letting me know I am not alone it really does help to know that with experience maybe I'll get a pebble rolling around all that space in my head.

Oh and CONGRATS on graduating LolaSPN

YOU MADE IT!!!!:balloons:

GingerSue · Jun 18, 2007

could it be the realization of the endless amount of material out there to be read? It is endless!

Ms Kylee · Jun 18, 2007

15 weeks in and my head is still spinning... even in clinicals I feel like I don't have a clue. I still have 19 months to go, and some days I just feel like I'm the dope of the day. I am loving it though. Well, except for yesterday.

tpsychnurse · Jun 18, 2007

Trust me. You know a lot. It is just so overwhelming that you THINK you don't know anything.

Always reminded myself that the knowledge was "in there" and all that was necessary was to bring it forth. Worked like a charm.

As for knowing it all...there is nothing more frightening than a nurse who thinks they know everything. Part of the joy of nursing is learning new things all of the time.

Take a deep breath and watch it come forth..

allnurses Guide · Jun 18, 2007

It may feel that way because there is always so much more to learn. Only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time.

Relax, and absorb. Let it all build up.

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Jun 18, 2007

I felt the same way after last semester. I had good exam grades, kicked butt in clincials, etc. However, I still felt like I was being cheated. After working in two career fields successfully I just KNEW there was stuff I was not and will not learn in school. Therefore, I got a job as a tech at my local hospital.

I don't do what RNs, LPNs, or CNAs do but I watch them all day long!!! I am also able to ask questions without anyone looking at me like I am crazy. Outside of observing procedures, I am experiencing crazy schedules (12 hour days, weekend and holiday work, juggling sick kids), taking report from the charge, performing tasks in a fast paced environment while on my feet all day, going without a pee or food break, being aware of patient safety at all times and knowing the medical equipment needed to perform specific procedures... I could go on.

Basically my job is an eye opener for me in many many ways as well as a way for me to practice some of my fundamental skills (some of which are now habitual rather then somehting I have to recall). Thus, as soon as I qualify to be an extern I will jump on the opportunity since not only will I continue to work a floor, I will be given personal experience and opportunity to work with patients performing nursing procedures as well as continuing to do what I do best; ask a lot of insightful questions!!

I encourage you to do the same and gain hospital experience before you graduate. If it is too late (you are weeks away from graduating), then do not worry about it. There is not much you can do at this point but pray that your New Grad experience will be a good one. It is not unheard of for New Grads with very little hospital experience to spend a week or so crying. However, I know of none that did not live to tell his/her story. GL.

WDWpixieRN, RN · Jun 18, 2007

I am in between my 2nd and 3rd semester of an ADN program and got an internship for the summer. Daily I realize how much I don't know still (some of which I haven't been taught yet), and also how much I feel like I haven't retained....a word, a phrase will pop up and I'll think, "I remember we covered that", but can't recall a lot off the top of my head. It's VERY frightening because while I will continue to learn while working, how the he!! am I going to pass an NCLEX if my retention is this BAD?!?!?!

I'm a strong "B" student, but this is all so different from anything I have ever done and seems to be requiring a lot of repetition for some things to sink in -- skills, S & S, meds, etc. UGH!!

AnalegnaRN · Jun 18, 2007

Thanks everyone for replying and more post are welcome

Thanks Again

snowowl · Jun 18, 2007

hey dont feel bad...like someone said earlier, you know a lot more than you think you do. One other post offered some excellent advice...get a job in a hospital/clinical setting even if it is a volunteer one. This will give you an opportunity to see all of the stuff you are studying in real time.

When I first started NS I had no experience other than being a patient. So I got a job working as a tech/nursing assistant. After working as a tech/nursing assistant, a lot of things started to make sense like acid base balances, resp. failure/arrest, COPD just to name a few. This will help cement the stuff you are learning.

This is my last semester in school this fall and I work as a cardiac care technician and this experience in working cardiac/critical care has really help me understand MED SURG and ICU principals....

anyway hope this helps...keep the faith.

snow owl