Issues New Nurses Face with Transition

schack · Oct 21, 2009

I am a "new" nurse. Graduated in 2008. I think I have had less issues then some, because I am "mature" (read old!) nurse. LOL. I came into nursing school with good time management and people skills. So for me the biggest issue was going from being task oriented (foley, iv, meds, assessment, etc.) to seeing the whole picture. I don't think nursing school can really prepare you for that. It just takes time on the floor and mentors who will encourage you to grow and develop your thinking skills. I have been out about 1 1/2 years and I finally feel like I know what is going on with my patients (most of the time). You also develop your nursing judgement on the job, in school your instructor guides you. Once on your own, you have to figure out if you need help, if the patients going down the tubes, etc. The safety net is gone and that's a big adjustment. If you choose your first job wisely, than you will have experienced nurses who won't let you drown while getting your feet wet.

Not sure if this is what you wanted, but hope it helps.

Daffodils2 · Oct 22, 2009

This is exactly what I wanted/needed. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

And if your a mature nurse, so am I at 38!

Thanks again!

Majicdanser · Oct 22, 2009

I am a relative new grad, passing the NCLEX in March 2009. I haven't been able to find a job in CA as few hospitals will take on new grads with the economy and all. I'm wondering what my next move is going to be: either I will find an RN residency or I will find a job outside of nursing. My grades are very good and I have the opportunity to get my MSN, but with the stipulation that I get experience as a floor nurse.

shoegalRN, RN · Oct 22, 2009

I am a fairly new nurse, just graduated in May, passed NCLEX in July, and started working August. Nursing is a second career for me and I am 35 years old. What's been so hard for me is the actual tranisition from nursing student to actual nurse. The responsibilty is so much greater than when I was a just a nurse tech. I am in the ICU, so I have great responsibility to watch over my pts with a keen eye. Since I am still new, I am soaking up as much info as I can get from any experienced nurse I can get it from. I spend my off days studying on my own and reading my critical care book.

Time management has been a huge challenge for me, so I'm really working on that. It's some nights I feel so overwhelmed, I want to break down and cry. From what I hear, this is a normal feeling for a new grad. Every night is a learning opportunity and I take every chance I get to soak up the knowledge. Although I've made plenty of mistakes, I've learned from each of them.

It's so hard trying to learn my new role, but I'm getting there. Each night, my confidence gets a little stronger, but I'm still humble and asks tons of questions. I do a lot of research on my own, and I use my experienced nurses to clarify the research. I'm so scared to be on my own, but I know the anxiety will somewhat decrease with time.

All I can tell you is that nursing school didnt prepare me for the REAL world of nursing. All my learning is starting NOW and will continue throughout my career. Nursing school is some type of fanasty compared to what I've learned since I've been working as a new grad.

I'm told it takes atleast a year or two before you will be somewhat comfortable in your role as a nurse. All I can say is that I welcome it.