6 months as a new grad-my 2 cents.

[SinusRhythm]

I have been working on a tele floor for over 6 months now and wanted to let people know that it DOES get better. Now don't get me wrong, I don't feel totally comfortable. But I feel more in CONTROL. I was extremely nervous starting out because I basically didn't want to kill anyone being brand new.

Time and your interest in nursing will make things better. After 6 months I kind of recognize a reptitiveness with patient diagnoses and treatments. As you practice your skills physically and mentally, they begin to become second nature because you do them so much.

Follow the right nurses. There are so many shortcuts out there that I've lost count. DON'T DO IT! New grads know what's right and wrong. I've seen some bad things and you will too.

I've also been charge nurse already. That's another story and in my opinion unfair. But, even though it sucks, it does make you see things you don't normally see and builds your confidence that much faster.

Good luck to everyone! We all have what it takes to do the job. You just have to find your own way.

[SoundofMusic]

Charge nurse at 6 months? That does not compute. Where we are I would not start charge nurses classes until about the 18 month to 2 year mark!

Lately things are clicking for me, and I'm also at about that six month mark. I still panic over things I shouldn't panic over, I still ask questions, I'm still learning ...but I'm ok and the preceptor stands back for most of the day.

The part that's sinking in now is how lousy some of the doctors are ...have had some rough experiences with that lately. Don't know why they have to be such jerks. It's very demoralizing to have someone be nasty to you, especially at the end of the shift ...I could go on and on about that. Do they NOT make these people sit through "Be Nice to Nurses" class? I mean WHY, just WHY???

[MMARN, BSN, RN]

Wow! Charge nurse already?? That's incredible! Hats off to you! They either see great potential in you, or your unit is extremely short-staffed. (I'm going for the former, though :)) Congratulations on doing so well already!!

[Diary/Dairy, RN]

Oh, poor thing, Charge nurse sooo soon. You are not even fully developed as a nurse, they should not be putting that extra burden while you are still learning the ropes of the floor.

[cheyne stokes]

Thank you for your post. I am about to graduate in a few weeks and have accepted my ideal job, but I have been plagued with doubts and jitters about my ability to handle it. I am glad to hear that it does get better. If you have any more updates or tidbits about your transition from new grad to a more experienced nurse, I would appreciate hearing about it!

[luv2yoga]

I agree. I am about 6 months in too and it is better. I have noticed that even when I have a rough night, I am never there more than an extra hour charting. When I started and had a terrible night, I stayed 2 hours a few times. It's pretty hard to do that and come back the next night. I have also noticed that I can do the basics faster such as passing meds and that I can prioritize better.

I still feel like I have a lot to learn. When weird stuff happens, I ask for help. And I'll never get good at certain skills working night shift (like IV starts and foley inserts). There just isn't the opportunity.

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

Ugh, I know the hospital I hired onto does the same thing, let's nurses with under 1year experience be in charge. No thank you for an extra $1/hr it's not worth it nor safe IMO. If you're "charge" and therefor other nurses are to come for you for help, how can someone barely off of orientation be the one giving advice.