need encouragement

[steelmagnoliap9422]

Hi there, I am a new grad and I have been working as a new nurse for 2 months. I love nursing but when I walk off the floor after a shift I cant help but feel like the biggest idiot there is. I have not caused harm to a pt and I have caught mistakes made by others and reacted to deteriorating situations appropriately, but my confidence and motivation is waivering because of the small mistakes I sometimes make and and things I miss, it is almost overwhelming. I know I have alot to learn and I should go a little easier on myself. But I think that I shouldnt be missing the small stuff. I have passed boards so I know that I must have some intelligence somewhere in my head.:jester:THanks.

[CHATSDALE]

this is normal, there is so much to learn and the outcome if we miss something can be so horrid

confidence is not something that you get with your license it only comes with a lot experience and work

[TopazLover, BSN, RN]

After every shift write down 3 things you did right. It sounds like you are a victim of second guessing yourself. Remember in school they taught you to not second guess on tests. I think you are looking at work like a test. If so, treat it like a test. Once it is over, you are past it.

The three things each day have kept me going for many years. Sometimes very simple things. Other times it would be catching a potential error, etc.

Remember to keep them positive.

My other Rx- Tincture of Time It is too easy to try to rush your growth.

[student200977]

I know how you feel. I'm a RN student right now, but work as an LPN. Sometimes I feel like the other nurses are looking at me, like what the heck is she doing or talking about. But I try to remain confident. I usually beat myself up for the little things too, sometimes, it's the only thing on my mind for days. As a student, I don't feel as bad, cause I'm a student. But once you have that license you feel like, wow, it's really all on me now. Your new and with time and experience you will be a great nurse and don't underestimate yourself, just keep up with the skills, read read the new literature, and just do your best.:wink2:

[GingerSue]

As you describe what is occurring, it seems that you are

reflecting on your experiences - and this is great.

It shows that you are paying attention to what is happening

and you'll keep improving.

I really like what aknottedyarn said about - 3 positive things every day.

And about those mistakes - learn from them.

[GrumpyRN63, ADN, RN]

You need to cut yourself some slack, don't sweat the small stuff. You are human and are going to miss things, I think part of that thought process comes from perfectionistic thinking drilled into us during nursing school. Don't get me wrong, it's always best to strive to do your best, I'm not advocating a slacker work ethic, just cut yourself the slack. you obviously care, and you can only do your best, you'll be fine. You are still a newbie, in about a year you will look back and see how much you have evolved

[AussieKylie]

Hi Steelmagnolia

Well I understand what you are saying because I am like you. I am from Australia and worked as an RN for one year and then moved to Canada. So I need to relearn again. I feel that if you do something wrong by others you are looked down upon. For instance I asked one nurse in Canada what is ASA and not realising it is Aspirin, she looked at me funny. As in Australia we just know it by Aspirin. So now I gotta get with knowing what to do in Canada as a nurse. Its gonna be tough when I start to do it.

I think its human nature and we can only be proud of our own selves when we achieve the good things we did that day and what we learn from our mistakes.

take care