LPN just under a year & feel like I don't know anything. Help.

Scottishtape · Feb 23, 2017

"Why" is always going to be your best friend, especially in your first year of nursing.

Bring a notebook to work and always ask why.

-Why am I giving this med? (How does it affect them, what should I watch for, what should I assess)

- Ask about labs and really take the time to connect them with body systems

- Treatments - why are you doing them?

Then write it all down so you can go over them. Continue to add to your brain book.

Also, reflect on your day, each day. What did you see? What didn't you understand that you can look up and clarify? What did you do and why? What could you have done differently?

Its a process that will take time. Nursing is life long learning. There will always be a new treatment, changes related to evidence based practice, etc.

Always look for the why and you'll be fine.

Good luck!

Sour Lemon · Feb 23, 2017

I have been an LPN just under a year & really feel like I don't know anything. I feel like I should go home & study all night, or day, depending on the shift I work. And I don't even work in critical care. Did well in school and passed NCLEX-PN on first try. Any suggestions? Help>

I've heard that it takes two years to feel "OK" and about seven to feel "competent". I'm on year seven, and I've found these things to be true for myself ...but even after 6-7 years, I'm reminded how much I don't know on a daily basis.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 24, 2017

Only three things will cause you to build your current fund of knowledge:

1. Active learning of new pearls of wisdom

2. The confidence to ask questions when unsure

3. The passage of time...

Workingitgirl · Feb 25, 2017

Your confidence will make your patients feel more secure. Do not be too proud to learn from the RN or CNA's. They can really help you out. Get organized by writing down what you need to do first when you come on shift. If you do not know how to do the accu-checks or whatever for that facility, ask,and bring index cards to write down the instructions. If you're in charge on the shift you are working, do not be egotistical, but let people see that you have the ability to be in charge. You set the tone and others will follow. Try to have a good time while working. I once told someone "I never felt like my career was a job b/c I loved working everyday." If you have a passion for nursing just follow your gut, be honest and all will be OK. And, invest in malpractice insurance and set yourself up with a good 401k plan. Nurses really do not have a good retirement program. That is something you have to plan for yourself.

Blessings81 · Mar 8, 2017

Don't feel bad. The other day, I just learned from a doctor if the TSH level is high you increase the Levothyroxine dose and if its low, you decrease the Levothyroxine dose. lol. I never knew this. I would've thought its the other way bcos Endocrine system one of my favorite subject in school. Hon, like someone said earlier, always ask "why." Even nurses who's been in the business 20+ years, don't know everything.