how long til you feel competent?

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Hi,

I am just starting my 5th week as a new RN on medsurg floor. Last week I felt things were coming together and today,after a weekend off,I felt like I was always behind, fairly brain dead. Everyone is great, but I find that I couldn't get into my own groove, got very self conscious, and then didn't have access to my mind.

Anyone have any pep talk or words of advice for me?? I hate to complain cuz I'm ususally pretty cheerful, but I'm wondering if I have the right stuff for the job.

Thanks in advance for any perspective.

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Specializes in tele, stepdown/PCU, med/surg.
Hi,

I am just starting my 5th week as a new RN on medsurg floor. Last week I felt things were coming together and today,after a weekend off,I felt like I was always behind, fairly brain dead. Everyone is great, but I find that I couldn't get into my own groove, got very self conscious, and then didn't have access to my mind.

Anyone have any pep talk or words of advice for me?? I hate to complain cuz I'm ususally pretty cheerful, but I'm wondering if I have the right stuff for the job.

Thanks in advance for any perspective.

Hey there,

Remember to not be too hard on yourself. You're on your 5th week, you're still pretty new. But that is also enough time to start feeling more comfortable at your facility (knowing procedures, where things are etc). I am a newer RN too and you will always have days where things just don't "click" or you get behind; it's natural. Cherish those days that you feel everything is coming together and know that those "off" days will become fewer and fewer as time goes on. :)

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

I agree, be gentle with yourself. It takes a long time to feel confident. But nursing always keeps you on your toes, there will be good days and bad days. But give yourself a year before you even begin to think to question yourself like that. Good luck. :)

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Specializes in med-surg.

I have been a practicing RN on a busy med-nephro floor for 2 years, and am just now beginning to feel confident in my skills. I hope that you are able to get there in less time than I; keep asking questions, learn from yours, and others, mistakes, and enjoy! Keep that great attitude, it will take you FAR! Best wishes to you......

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Hi,

I am just starting my 5th week as a new RN on medsurg floor. Last week I felt things were coming together and today,after a weekend off,I felt like I was always behind, fairly brain dead. Everyone is great, but I find that I couldn't get into my own groove, got very self conscious, and then didn't have access to my mind.

Anyone have any pep talk or words of advice for me?? I hate to complain cuz I'm ususally pretty cheerful, but I'm wondering if I have the right stuff for the job.

Thanks in advance for any perspective.

Newbie, it takes a while to feel confident. The fact that you are self conscious means you want to do it right. There is a constant learning process in this career and you should keep asking questions and seeking answers. Stay away from people who make you feel inadequate and stick by the ones who offer help and education. There are days where you feel all too inadequate but then you'll have days where you'll know you changed someone's life or contributed positively. You have a very important job and we need people who care about being the best they can. Stick with it. It'll get better.

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My first few months on the med/surg floor were terrible. I dreaded going in every night and some nights I was so tired that I would have loved a car accident so I wouldn't have to go in. It does get better. Don't forget to ask for help whenever possible and go to your charge nurse with questions. If he/she doesn't like it too bad that's what they are there for. :rotfl:

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Hey, I've been a nurse now for 10 months and there are times I STILL don't feel comfortable. Just keep asking questions and you will be fine. I learn something new every single day. Don't feel silly or stupid for not knowing something, because there are times you will know things that the older, more experienced nurses do not, because you just got out of school! Be a SPONGE. :coollook:

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Hi,

I am just starting my 5th week as a new RN on medsurg floor. Last week I felt things were coming together and today,after a weekend off,I felt like I was always behind, fairly brain dead. Everyone is great, but I find that I couldn't get into my own groove, got very self conscious, and then didn't have access to my mind.

Anyone have any pep talk or words of advice for me?? I hate to complain cuz I'm ususally pretty cheerful, but I'm wondering if I have the right stuff for the job.

Thanks in advance for any perspective.

The key to feeling good on any job is organization. You take the functions that you have to perform and give each one a priority. You figure out which ones have to be done before the other ones. If you can make it through nursing school you can organize.

:balloons:

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Specializes in Geriatrics, DD, Peri-op.

I've heard from some older nurses that it can take 5 years until you get totally comfortable with yourself.

I'm hitting that mark now and am starting to become more comfortable with my judgement. I know working at the nursing home, if I think that a patient might be going bad...that patient is going out and I am not second guessing myself.

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