Nervous!!!! Help!!

[eyorkfd]

All,

I am a new nurse just passed NCLEX 6/30/08. I have been a paramedic for 8+ years but am scared to death to start in a CCU unit. I am going to continue my career here at the Fire Department as I only have a few more years till I can retire. I thought I knew a lot prior to reading this BB and doing clinicals in nursing school. I really feel DUMB!!! I have been offered a job and still haven't rejected or accepted. I feel comfortable with basic nursing skills but drug knowledge and really deep pathophysiology are still a challenge. I really enjoy cardiology and have been ACLS certified since paramedic school. I know I have a LOT to learn but I hate learning curves. Any advice on tools, study material, pocket guides, or any advice to make the experience more enjoyable would be MUCH APPRECIATED!!!! Thanks So Much.

[neko11111]

I think I would have to say - it all depends on what you want to do with your nursing career. Do you want to go directly into critical care? If so - then go ahead and do it! You're already ACLS certified, you've been a paramedic for 8+ years - that's a pretty good start!

I'm a newbie myself - only have about a year in, but I knew that I was meant to do critical care / trauma, and there was no way I could last as a med/surg nurse. But that's just my personality and preference.

No matter where you start - you're going to be scared and overwhelmed, but if you pay attention to your preceptor and other experienced nurses and soak in everything that you possibly can - you'll be fine. The only thing I could suggest with the new job offer - is to shadow on the shift that you would be working. That way, you will meet the other nurses that will be there with you. Your environment and the personalities that you work with do play a major part in how your first experience will be! I was lucky enough to get hired in with a great crew that are very willing to help the newer nurses out - and that's been a lifesaver for me!

GOOD LUCK! I hope it all goes well for you!

[ski4life]

Don't be too nervous! Any job will be stressful and overwhelming at first, but you'll be ok. You don't have to know every deep detail of everything when you start. The mere fact that you know you don't know everything will serve you well. Just learn your resources and make sure you get a good orientation. Try to find more experienced nursed you can go to for help and advice, and if possible try to gauge how supportive your new job is of newbies- some units are friendlier than others.

Or, if critical care is causing you major anxiety, try working on a floor for a year or 2. It is a good way to learn time management and fine tune the basic skills, and you will learn plenty! Having done both "floor" and "ICU" nursing, I have to say sometimes the floor is more stressful! Nursing is a process of growth and learning all the time, you can't (and shouldn't) be expected to know everything on day #1. It sounds like you have a good amount of experience with emergencies through your current position, (unless you have a very dull fire dept!) and you are familiar with ACLS protocols. This sounds like a good basis for success, just take it one day at a time and don't be too hard on yourself. Good luck!