Is this normal??!?!

[Gemini616, RN]

Is it normal to feel nervous about being a nurse as new grad? I just graduated last week for a ADN program. It kind of feels as though the more I think about not having a job yet the more I feel nervous? which I feel is increasing my anxiety. Anyway is this normal? Did anyone else feel this way before starting work?

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

8 minutes ago, Gemini616 said:

Is it normal to feel nervous about being a nurse as new grad? I just graduated last week for a ADN program. It kind of feels as though the more I think about not having a job yet the more I feel nervous? which I feel is increasing my anxiety. Anyway is this normal? Did anyone else feel this way before starting work?

Oh yes. Definitely.

[beekee]

I’d be worried if you didn’t feel nervous.

[Everline]

Yes.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

I don't know many nurses, myself included, who didn't feel that way when they started out. In fact, like beekee said, I'd be more worried about a new nurse who wasn't nervous. It's actually a good thing if not taken to an extreme, because it keeps you on your toes. I can't recall a single shift in my career when I wasn't just a teensy bit nervous. Not anxious to the point of paralysis or crying every day I had to work, but acutely aware of my surroundings and what I needed to do. Good luck to you!

[Davey Do]

Anxiety stems from the fear of future events which can be utilized as a motivator to foresee and deal with the variables of any situation, Gemini.

However, if we allow emotions to guide our actions, logic will go out the window.

Channel the energy stimulated by anxiety to result in an endeavor to pursue knowledge and learn in order to deal with, and quell, those emotions.

I know. Easier said than done, but it can be done. Anxiety has, and continues to be, a motivator for me.

[River&MountainRN, ADN, RN]

Nervousness is normal for a new grad. However, if you begin to experience debilitating anxiety that is affecting your performance, attendance, health, and/or overall sense of wellbeing, that is not and might indicate that you need to speak with someone. I'm actually a big fan of having a talk therapist in general, just so one can decompress (since nursing is an inherently stressful profession to begin with), process, and analyze events as they come up.

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

Honey, normal is a setting on a washing machine. If you look through new grad posts here you'll find that's pretty typical. It's also typical to worry about finding a job, ending up in a job you don't really prefer, and just when you wonder if it will ever come together for you...it does.

Good luck!

[guest825264]

Nervousness and excitement are almost one and the same. I know this from being a new nurse. I would almost make my self sick at work every shift. Then I started changing the way I thought about it. Instead of looking at new experiences as fear I looked at them in excitement and anticipation of what I could learn from them. I made sure I sought out as much instruction about a new task from a charge nurse or mentor and then I would change the fear in my brain to excitement about trying something new. Yes, you are normal!