New Grad anxiety

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Soon I will be off orientation and on my own. The realization has finally hit me and my anxiety is hindering my sleep... I think about it constantly and I am scared to death. Ive been told i'll be fine on my own by preceptors, but I feel like I still have so much to learn. When will I ever feel "comfortable" going into work. When will the anxiety and sleepless days end? I go home thinking about the previous shift going over in my head if I made any mistakes... Im blessed to have found a job as a new grad but this anxiety and overwhelming transition is getting to me.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Telemetry, Med-Surg.

I think what you're feeling is perfectly normal among new grads. I have been working tele for 4 months and have yet to feel "comfortable" at work. From what I've heard, it takes about 6-12 months to find your groove. I also go home and review the previous night in my mind - "What did I do well, and what can I do better?" Nursing is a lifelong learning experience. Even "veteran" nurses have experiences out of their comfort zone. Once you find your niche, you'll feel much more confident in yourself.

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Specializes in ICU.
I think what you're feeling is perfectly normal among new grads. I have been working tele for 4 months and have yet to feel "comfortable" at work. From what I've heard, it takes about 6-12 months to find your groove. I also go home and review the previous night in my mind - "What did I do well, and what can I do better?" Nursing is a lifelong learning experience. Even "veteran" nurses have experiences out of their comfort zone. Once you find your niche, you'll feel much more confident in yourself.

AGREED!

The OP's feeling of "I still have so much to learn" is a GOOD THING. It suggests that the OP is not a over-confident type, and is looking to learn/improve.

In my case, I had the feelings of "OK...what am I going to do?" right before I entered my first pt's room after completing the orientation program to my ICU. The answer was "do what you've been doing for months."

It was still scary, but after ~6 months I "found my groove" (as you posted).

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Soo...after I ready your post, I looked at my schedule and realized that today I am OFF of orientation ...ahh lol. feeling good about it, but still nervous of course, slight prolonged SOB never killed any nurse right? ;P

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Thank you all for your thoughtful responses. It is going to be a rough transition, but this is what I've worked so hard for. Time to be confident with what I do know and ask questions about things I dont know. 8 weeks flew by quicker than I expected!

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Specializes in Acute Care Pediatrics.

It's when you feel comfortable that you make mistakes. :) Never stop learning. You got this!!!!

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