Is This Normal?

loriangel14, RN · Jul 25, 2016

Totally normal. It's only been two weeks. Give it a year and you will be feeling much more comfortable. Nursing school only teaches you the basics. The real learning takes place on the job.

quazar · Jul 25, 2016

Oh yeah, absolutely normal. Yep.

madricka, BSN, RN · Jul 25, 2016

Oh man, you sound just like I did when I graduated! I was so nervous, thought the other nurses were out to get me, assumed the other new grads were not freaking out -- this, of course, is totally wrong. I think some people are just better at hiding it, playing it cool. I actually remembered the day when I wasn't "scared of work anymore" and it was about a year in. Before that I would have panic attacks, get stomach aches, not be able to sleep the night before a shift. I'd end up staying an hour past my shift to catch up on charting. Just know that it will get easier. Don't be afraid to ask the questions you need to because you learning/development as a nurse is important. It's bad if a new nurse is afraid to ask questions because he/she is too scared!

Is there a more experienced nurse in your unit you could mentor with? Someone you feel comfortable going to with questions or if you need help? They might be able to ease some of your concerns without making you feel worse.

Lots of deep breaths!

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Jul 25, 2016

It gets easier, it really does. I'm a couple of months in and I felt like you. Every shift, it gets easier. As long as you go in on the next shift knowing a little more than you last, you are doing great.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jul 25, 2016

100% normal! The other new grads are feeling the same thing... talk to them. You are in orientation. That's WHY they call it that... so you can get oriented. It took me 2 years before before I became somewhat confident. If it's any consolation, I had 28 years experience and on a travel assignment , I couldn't find the elevator either.

One day at a time. Take a few minutes to reflect on the day and reinforce what you have learned.

You can do this. :up:

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · Jul 25, 2016

I just completed my 2nd shift on the floor yesterday. I absolutely feel the same way. My preceptor pointed out that it's different when you don't have someone to supervise and report to because, now, you ARE the nurse. Obviously, since I'm a new nurse, I still do talk to my preceptor about changes in my pt's status, but aside from that, she has placed the pt's care in my hands.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. You won't know everything, and no one expects you to. Everyone knows that you don't learn everything in school. I have to keep asking my preceptor about the facility's policy with certain things (wound care, PICC line care, etc.) because it varies from where I did my clinical rotations.

jack1971 · Jul 26, 2016

Thank you ALL for this positive feedback! Today was a little better. I've heard from so many nurses each day gets a little easier. I needed this support system. Really glad to hear I am not the only one. Thanks again!!

GreenFeather · Jul 26, 2016

I felt just like that and I started off in surgery. It is nothing like other departments and it's so fast paced. I felt like crying constantly, but I was determined to get through it!

cardiacfreak, ADN · Jul 27, 2016

Heck, I was overwhelmed last night at work and I have been there 17 years. I promise OP you will not feel comfortable or confident for about a year. I suggest that you try journaling. Every day write down at least a few sentences whether it is "I had a horrible day today my patient fell" or "I had a great day today, I started an IV on the first try." The point is to put down your feelings, and then 30 days later look back at what you wrote. Continue this for a year and you will be amazed at how you have grown.