Is this normal ??????

NurseKatie08, MSN · Dec 30, 2008

Hello to all. Is it me or is this normal? Background infor. CNA 10yrs. RN- 2 Months. The problem that am facing is my new role as an RN. I don't feel like an RN or should I say and other words I don't know how to accept my new role as an RN. I don't even feel comfortable telling people that I am a Registered Nurse. Don't get me wrong am very happy and graceful that I have accomplish my goal to become a nurse, but I don't feel like a nurse. :uhoh21:

I would say it's a normal feeling. I'm seven months out of nursing school, and have been working as an RN for four of those months (graduated in May, licensed in early July). I haven't started to feel like a nurse until very recently. I now have a day to day routine down, but when I get new admissions to my rehab unit with a dx or treatment/issue I have never dealt with before I get very nervous. I just try to turn a negative into a positive by learning all I can about the issue I'm having trouble with to make sure I understand.

I remember when I was just three weeks off of orientation, one of the CNA's came to get me because I had a patient having chest pain. She said "The man in room 14 says he needs a nurse, his chest hurts." I looked at her jaw dropping and wanted to say "Well, why are you asking me??"

I think you're feeling something we all have felt, and in time as you gain a bit more confidence in your skills, you'll be fine! Good luck! :nuke:

Columnist · Dec 30, 2008

Just like any new role or position you have ever been in, it takes awhile to get use to it. When you first started college, it probably took you a little while to believe you were finally out of high school. I don't know if you are married or have children, but it takes time for it to sink in that you are a spouse or a parent. Becoming an RN after many hard years of studying, is no different. Be proud of your accomplishments and congratulate yourself on your new role. It will sink in.

mjvarno · Dec 30, 2008

Ive been out of school 6 months and I dont feel like a nurse either. I know itll come in time, but there are times when I just sit back at work and think "How did this happen?"

RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN · Dec 30, 2008

Yes, it's normal. I have the same feeling 6 months in, but starting to feel

more like a nurse.

nursemike, ASN, RN · Dec 30, 2008

Hello to all. Is it me or is this normal? Background infor. CNA 10yrs. RN- 2 Months. The problem that am facing is my new role as an RN. I don't feel like an RN or should I say and other words I don't know how to accept my new role as an RN. I don't even feel comfortable telling people that I am a Registered Nurse. Don't get me wrong am very happy and graceful that I have accomplish my goal to become a nurse, but I don't feel like a nurse. :uhoh21:

I think it is. I went from 7yrs as an orderly (more or less) to RN. I found it challenging to go from being rather an expert at my former job to just another hapless newbie nurse, and even now their are moments when I'm tempted to retreat into my more comfortable, former role. On the whole, though, if you just keep on keepin' on, you will get more comfortable.

I've joked about making my mantra "Be the Nurse." when dealing with some situations, like an uncooperative patient or an insubordinate aide. But it's only slightly tongue-in-cheek. Sometimes I actually take a moment to say it (silently) to myself. Sometimes it even sorta works.

achot chavi · Dec 30, 2008

Keep at it, it will come. Even though you graduated- you still have lots to learn, Keep ur eyes and ears open, practice your skills, read other nurses notes, ask questions, find a mentor if possible and WORK,WORK,WORk. It will pay off- I promise.

WHen I had my first child, I didn;t feel like a MOM at first also., It just takes time.

Your on the right track!

Up2nogood RN, RN · Jan 1, 2009

I think it is. I went from 7yrs as an orderly (more or less) to RN. I found it challenging to go from being rather an expert at my former job to just another hapless newbie nurse, and even now their are moments when I'm tempted to retreat into my more comfortable, former role.

This is exactly how I've felt also. I was an aide for 17 yrs and had seen and dealt with it all. Now being a nurse is a little different but there are some skills that I already know that come in handy. And I do feel like I got a leg up on the new grads that are totally lost trying to put it all together. I've just come off orientation and it hasn't been nearly as bad as I thought it would be.