Med-Surg help!

Sour Lemon · May 30, 2018

Hi there everyone, I am new so if I am doing this incorrectly please let me know!
Anyways, I have been working in Home Health for about 2 1/2 years. I am so ready to get out of it and have been for quite some time now. I had an interview for a med-surg position and my stomach is in knots. It's not that the interview didn't go well... I am just nervous to be on a floor that is so hectic. Having so many patients intimidates me a little bit as well as the organization and time-management that is involved. I don't want to feel like a chicken with its head cut off but I feel like that's how it is going to be. I am a little rusty on my nursing skills and don't feel as confident as I hoped. Please help!

I hope you negotiated a long orientation. Remind yourself of everything you're learning each day when you start to feel discouraged.

Good luck!

Daisy4RN · May 30, 2018

Hospital nursing is very hard work and I guarantee you will feel like a chicken running around with its head cut off. That being said, it will get easier every day. Ask your preceptor questions, take advantage of every learning opportunity, keep a low profile (don't get involved in unit politics), learn who to ask for help and who to trust. Your hands on skills will come back with time but do ask for assistance when needed. Most nurses say they do not feel confident for about 1-2 years so don't expect too much which will only discourage you. You can do this, Good luck!

dennis8, ADN, BSN, CNA, RN · Jul 6, 2018

That is how everyone feels when they first start out on Med Surg. As Daisy4RN says above me, it definitely gets easier over time. You learn to roll with punches and get into the groove of your unit and coworkers. Best of luck!