IS THIS IT?

pharmgirl · Jul 19, 2009

I'm right there with you. I just graduated from an LPN program and proceed with the RN next month. I'm working at a hospital right now doing an externship but feel like I just haven't had enough hands on to be out on my own. Like you, I haven't done a foley on a real person, only inserted one NG tube, haven't done an IV in 6 months.

Not that this is any comfort and doesn't answer your question but I'm in the boat with ya.

nlion87 · Jul 19, 2009

Like other nurses that post here will tell you, your real learning will begin on the job after you get licensed and are able to start utilizing what you were exposed to in School even those skills you feel you are lacking or not comfortable with. As they say, practice makes perfect. It is unreasonable to think that you will know everything fresh out of the gate once you have graduated. Stay positive and have confidence. Also, volunteer for those cases that will expose you to the skills you feel you are laking so as to build up your skill set. With time your anxiety will hopefully lessen as you gain more experience.

Pegasus65 · Jul 19, 2009

Hi guys,

I recently graduated LPN school and am currently waiting to take my state board. I know exactly how you feel as far as being nervous about not getting experience in several areas. I didn't get to put a Foley in until my last week of clinical. This was when I finally got to suction a trach also. Even though I did fine with both... I still wish I had got to do it more than once before graduation:)

The nurses during my clinicals pretty much said the same thing the previous poster did.. that most of my experience would come when I was actually finished with school and on the floor. Even though I know I am going to be some kind of nervous when I "finally get out there"... I feel that I can learn to do any procedure given the time and opportunity. I just want to make sure I do it correctly!

Have a great day:D

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Jul 19, 2009

I feel the same way. I feel like I hardley any experience. I do know that once I start working I'll gain more experience.

ZanatuBelmont · Jul 20, 2009

Hi, I'm in the top of the mountain and wonder if this is really what everyone sees.
first of all, I graduate in a month.
Feel what I was exposed to in clinical rotations wasn't enough.
I NEVER
* suction a pt
* never did a indwelling Foley, but i practiced in a dummy and saw how it was done
* Gave care to a burnt patient
* inserted an Ng tube, but i practiced with a dummy
I can go on with other minor things but it leaves me with a BIG QUESTION (in which i think about everytime after clinical)
IS THIS IT?
WHAT DOES A EMPLOYER EXPECTS YOU TO KNOW?
I have such a incompetent feeling about this.
I'm actually the type of person that is hard working, and i will most definitely pay attention when you are teaching me a skill.
I just don't want to look like I...don't know how to do things a new grad should know.
thanks for reading

I recently landed a job in the OR but had to respectfully decline. Two reasons: They wanted me to put my RN pursuit on hold so I could work into their schedule. Second, it was just too damn far!

A shame, too - because as I interview more and more, I find it rather difficult to land a job as a new grad. Many look at me and speak as if I did not even master a "real" nursing program. It makes me feel somewhat humiliated and I'm explain what I can to make myself as marketable as possible: the skills I've learned in school, the six months of patient care, clinical experience, etc. But... nobody seems impressed. They always want someone with more experience, which makes me feel even more incompetent.

I imagine, though, that we'll be OK - we have to hang in there and remain focused. There is a place for us, and we are not incompetent - we simply need more hands-on training which, from what I've heard, is typical of new grads be them RN or LVN.

Okechi · Jul 20, 2009

THANK YOU VERY VERY VERY MUCH EVERYONE!

Believe it or not this makes me feel soo much better.

Not to say That i will slack off, but every single reply makes alot of sense.

I think I just felt like alittle panicky. Especially when my instructor never taught anything she just threw us out there. I know I am responssible for my actions but I thought instructors were more out there on the floor with you.

I used to think sooooo bad of my teacher but now i really think other people have it worst...

thanks again!

and ZanatuBelmont we will be fine! because we come out and have the will to learn unlike other nurses that just cheat their way out!

Jmas7 · Jul 28, 2009

OMG, zanatu, your post excited me, I never even realized that an LPN would have a chance at all of getting an OR job, that would be totally ideal for me. Thanks for opening my eyes to an opportunity I didn't even realize was there!

hikernurse · Jul 29, 2009

Basically, they just want to know you are safe and willing to learn with a positive attitude. Most skills are taught on the job. Since most floors/units have different nursing needs, this works pretty well, overall. Ask a lot of questions and volunteer to learn new skills--and be prepared to be pretty overwhelmed for a while, just know, it does get better :).