Nervous nelly

allthingsbright · Aug 23, 2007

Hello everyone I'm down to the home stretch. My graduation date is set for December 14, 2007 Yea. But now I'm feeling a bit uneasy about being out there on my own:uhoh3:. I keep telling myself that I'm doing well in clinical but I feel that once I really get out there on my own all the knowledge will disappear. Is this normal?

Judging by how I feel, yeah, sounds normal. I am scared out of my mind (graduate in Dec as well). I just took a tech job and hope it helps me w/ my confidence.

Best wishes! :)

NYNurse07 · Aug 26, 2007

Yes.......very normal.

I graduated in May. Took my boards in July and started hospital orientation the end of July.

I switched units at the end of the orientation because I didn't think I was getting a good feeling there. Don't want to say anymore than that.

I have lots to learn. I am almost 40 years old - don't look it because most people think I am 25-30 years old and just feel like I am still taking baby steps.

There is a huge learning curve once you get out there in the real world and I am laughing on the inside lots because it seems that the things we learned in school isn't what is done in the real world.

But learn, listen and ask questions when you need to. Get a strong preceptor and it you don't think the unit is going to work....talk to the unit manager about it. I haven't even worked a full week on my unit and I have goose bumps and a sour stomach the day before I have to go back to work but it's only because its the "unknown" soon enough you'll know what you need to know........

Be sure to understand that you won't be a proficient nurse for at least a year. give yourself that much. At least that's what everyone has been telling me.........

My skills suck!!!! But that also comes with time. I am a champion for my patients and have very good repore with meeting new people and making them feel comfortable. Nursing school and getting a job isn't going to teach you that--- that has to come from within.

So its okay to be nervous. I was there. I read this site everyday for two weeks and realize that everyone went through the same feelings.

Just keep coming back here to get your reassurances and pat yourself on the back. Nursing school is not a walk in the park - but the learning aint over!

M