Learning to cope

[keepsmiling11]

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone had any advice of learning how to cope in the nursing profession, am quite newly qualified finding the pressure of the job somewhat hard to deal with. I love the job, but never dreamed that the responsibility would feel so overwhelming.

Not working within the best environment at the moment, its not exactly supportive and isn't quite what I wanted, but am taking steps to fix that side of things.

Any advice would be so much appreciated, I know its probably just a matter of adjusting.

Thanks in advance.

[kakamegamama]

Take care of yourself. Find time to read if you enjoy reading (at home, of course :) ). Is there someone you can talk to about what you experience? Walk, find something fun to do on your off days. Get a pedicure. DON'T take work home with you. By this I mean--don't second guess yourself all the time after end of shift. Try to leave work at work. It is common to feel overwhelmed in the early days of nursing. Hang in there & best to you!

[TransplantRN3]

I felt the exact same as you when I first starting working. It gets better over time, but it remains important to take care of yourself. I don't think the "stress" ever goes away... you just get better at handling it. Once the stress of being a new grad goes away, a new stress will come along, like orienting to become charge nurse or joining a committee. I agree with the previous poster. Make plans for your days off. Exercise and eating right are so important! Good luck!

[Minnesota32]

Hi

I can totally relate! I'm a new RN and I'm very nervous and feel very overwhelmed!I have had a few really nice nurses that give me very good advice. They say always ask questions never think you can do something if you dont know how!!If someone doesnt answer then move on to someone who will but never not ask! I try to leave it at work but its hard cause I sometimes wonder "ok what didnt I do right today?" Im trying to change my attitiude and reflect on the good I did for the day. It is very overwhelming and very intense. However I'm learning how inspiring and rewarding being an RN can be when a patient or a patients family member sincerly says thank-you!!! Just remember to breath and slow down and you went through the hard work to earn your liscense just take every day as a learning experience!!! I'm trying to!!!!

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

You will always have 'those days', but overall it does get better. Your skills will increase, and you will build a knowledge base from experience. One day you will be telling a new nurse it will get better. :)