It finally happened...crying on the way home

danigold · Mar 2, 2013

I think we all hoped that as new grads we would somehow not be as stressed as those we read about.....that we would somehow be able to navigate everything without completely breaking down.......as a new grad who cried on the way home just last night, I have not found this to be possible. It's just such a big learning curve. Every single nurse I have spoken to says it takes a year or two. I'm starting to think two is more likely, as I have been off orientation since October and still have my days where I leave feeling like I've just done 10 rounds with Mike Tyson. I think personally it will help me immensely when this year's new grads start, b/c I think when I am able to compare myself and see how much I have learned and picked up without realizing it my self confidence will be boosted. Just keep on doing your best!!!! That's my plan. So far I have not been pulled aside and told my best isn't good enough, so I'm assuming that's a good sign. I'm also very open to criticism. If something happens that I don't feel good about, I go right to the charge nurse and say, "Here's what happened. I don't feel like I handled it the best way I could have. What could/should I have done differently for future reference?" I am chalking every situation up to a learning opportunity. I like to think of a pocket that started out empty. Every day I put something in it, even if it's something small. The other day was the first day I took out staples, for instance. So now I know how to do that. I feel pretty good about PEG tubes now. That's in my pocket now. Got my ACLS the other day. In my pocket it went. My pocket that started out pretty empty is starting to bulge. YOU CAN DO THIS. Start filling your pocket. Every day think about what went well, what you learned and can put in your pocket, even if it's something NOT to do in the future.

Orange Tree · Mar 2, 2013

Five weeks is not very long at all! If you have only cried once, I don't think you're crying enough. Go chop an onion or something. :wacky:

LLL01 · Mar 2, 2013

Five weeks is not very long at all! If you have only cried once I don't think you're crying enough. Go chop an onion or something. [/quote']
Bwahahahahaha
I needed that.
I guess it just threw me for a loop since I'm not normally one to cry!

j.ll · Mar 3, 2013

I'm a new grad too and at first I was like blahhhhh crying is for weak people. I cried everyday for a week last month! And then I realized that it does get better! :)

drowningdaily · Mar 3, 2013

I have three years experience. Second career nurse also. IT GETS BETTER! I promise. Every shift ends eventually. I still have bad days sometimes, but it's been a while since I've cried. Good luck. Keep calm. You will be okay!

SoundRN7 · Mar 3, 2013

I think we all hoped that as new grads we would somehow not be as stressed as those we read about.....that we would somehow be able to navigate everything without completely breaking down.......as a new grad who cried on the way home just last night, I have not found this to be possible. It's just such a big learning curve. Every single nurse I have spoken to says it takes a year or two. I'm starting to think two is more likely, as I have been off orientation since October and still have my days where I leave feeling like I've just done 10 rounds with Mike Tyson. I think personally it will help me immensely when this year's new grads start, b/c I think when I am able to compare myself and see how much I have learned and picked up without realizing it my self confidence will be boosted. Just keep on doing your best!!!! That's my plan. So far I have not been pulled aside and told my best isn't good enough, so I'm assuming that's a good sign. I'm also very open to criticism. If something happens that I don't feel good about, I go right to the charge nurse and say, "Here's what happened. I don't feel like I handled it the best way I could have. What could/should I have done differently for future reference?" I am chalking every situation up to a learning opportunity. I like to think of a pocket that started out empty. Every day I put something in it, even if it's something small. The other day was the first day I took out staples, for instance. So now I know how to do that. I feel pretty good about PEG tubes now. That's in my pocket now. Got my ACLS the other day. In my pocket it went. My pocket that started out pretty empty is starting to bulge. YOU CAN DO THIS. Start filling your pocket. Every day think about what went well, what you learned and can put in your pocket, even if it's something NOT to do in the future.

Love this "Start filling your pocket. Every day think about what went well, what you learned and can put in your pocket, even if it's something NOT to do in the future." Those pockets do get filled up more and more each shift.

NurseMaricel · Mar 3, 2013

I'm on my 2nd week on the floor orientation at a Cardiac Pavilion. A new grad, inexperienced, had my first patient last Friday. Nobody told me it's easy, so i will try to learn it day by day, and to always remember that those people who are now on the floor rocking their assess off, know all the answer to my questions had been once in their lives started to where I am starting right now. Thankful, I got hired right away... and I will make sure, I learn and do well everyday. There's nothing wrong to ask. That's my philosophy right now, ask ask and ask... there's nothing wrong with that, rather than doing it on your own and u are not sure if you are doing it right. If nobody gave you the answer or if u still doubt it, then go to the procedure manual, or get the Manager. Maximize the use of your preceptor, that's why they're there, to train you. So, they better train you well.

AmandaBusch · Mar 3, 2013

I'm pretty sure I leave crying most every day...work is stressful.

LovesnursingRN · Mar 3, 2013

Maximize the use of your preceptor, that's why they're there, to train you. So, they better train you well. I so agree with this statment andam praying that I will have a great preceptor one day to train me.