New CCU nurse needs encouragement

[ReeseW]

I'm a brand new CCU nurse. I've just about completed my 2 month orientation at a Long Island community hospital. It took me 2.5 years to finally get to critical care nursing. I worked both BMT and med-surg nursing prior to CCU. Lately, I've been feeling so discouraged, frustrated, and stressed on the job. After taking on many complex patient assignments with my preceptor, I realize how much I lack in knowledge with critical care nursing. I get so overwhelmed and physically exhausted, I have to ask myself, "When will I feel good about what I do?" My overall plan is to be a nurse anesthetist in 2-3 years. My question for all seasoned ICU/CCU nurses: what can I do to manage my stress better at work? I've been told it takes about a year to get fully comfortable as a CCU nurse. If this is the case, how do I push & encourage myself this year to feel more competent and confident in my job?