Looking for advice

[RNMee]

Hi all,

I just recently moved into a LDRP from a surgical floor. I am about to come off orientation in one week. I feel terrified. I am starting to wonder if I made the wrong choice. Is this because I'm new, or have I made a terrible mistake? I want to give it six months before I throw in the towel. I'm allowed to go PRN in a few months, so I'm hoping that will help. I haven't worked full time in a while. My question is, did any of you labor nurses have feeling like this? Being scared or anxious? Is this a sign I'm not cut out for this? Or is this normal bc I'm new at it?

[klone, MSN, RN]

Very normal. It will take at least 6 months before you're comfortable and not feeling like your stomach is in a knot before each shift. Tough it out, every nursing position will have this type of learning curve. I would advise against going PRN until you've been in the role for at least a year and are no longer a novice. The best way to feel comfortable is to do it MORE, not less.

[Kimberlee1225]

I felt like I had made a huge mistake for months. I still have times where I think "what the hell am I doing here" but for every time I think that I have something happen that makes me remember why I wanted to get in this field in the first place. It's easier to remember the hard stuff or the sad stories, just try to keep hold of the good stuff once you get out there on your own. Also don't be afraid to ask for help. It gets better.