Is it normal to feel THIS nervous?

J&B-RN, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Nov 2, 2011

There are very few people who don't feel this way! When I stated my first nursing job I cried everyday I worked for a month. Granted I am also am anxious person and was terrified that I was going to do something wrong that would end up hurting one of my patients. But after the first month I started to feel a lot more confident. It helps to have someone at work, a mentor per say, that is nice and has an interest in you succeeding in nursing. A couple of the nurses I worked with and my manager where great allies that helped me through some tough times. It will get better don't worry! Don't be afraid to ask for help, just make sure you ask someone who wants to help you. :)

Armygirl7 · Nov 2, 2011

I'm not nervous per se, but I sure feel stupid a lot of the time!! I've found there is a gap between my nursing school smarts and what it's like to think on my feet. Having to think & act under pressure and time constraints and with the full responsibility of my license on my mind is very stressful and sometimes I just feel so stupid, like how did I even get here????

I have good days and bad - I am 3 months into my first job after graduating in May - in a very very busy ED.

Some days I just cry all the way home!

:-)

nurselee1016 · Nov 2, 2011

I also graduated in May and have been on the floor for just under 2 months. I still feel like I am missing the organization of some of the other nurses. Its important to remember that you have preceptors and more skilled nurses around you for a reason. Never be afraid to ask questions. I find it most important that I write everything down. I have a report sheet I made with places for notes and an outline of the human body for my assessment. It also has a place for meds and their times. I write everything down incase I have to chart later that way I don't forget.