New Grad and feeling very discouraged! Very desperate for any advice!!

iHeartNICU · Mar 22, 2008

Hey! You are soooo not alone in feeling like that. It's a scary thought that what we do could potentially harm someone if we do something wrong....however, having that fear I think can be a good thing. It keeps you double checking, asking questions, and so on. However, it shouldn't be an overwhelming fear I don't think.

I can't say a good area to start in as everyone is different and works better in different situations. For me, it is the NICU. Sure they are very critical but I have 2 patients to completely focus on. The docs and NNPs are right there if I need something, and my coworkers are great. Believe me, it is possible to find a job you can deal with and actually like. It may take a while to find where you belong but I think it can be done.

I don't know anything about NY but I just wanted to say you are not alone! As far as not knowing anything...well, number 1, you got through nursing school so you know more than you realize. Secondly, knowing everything is never gonna happen and knowing what you need to know for your job is ongoing and will take time. BEST OF LUCK!!! YOU CAN TOTALLY DO THIS!! And, if in the end you feel like you need to transfer units, or hospitals, or whatever, there is nothing wrong with that at all. That's what's great about nursing....you can do a million different things! Good luck!

amj12 · Mar 23, 2008

You are definately not alone. I start my first job next week in hem/onc pediatrics and to say I'm terrified is an under statement. Just keep in mind you're clinical instructors felt you were competent enough to continue through nursing school and eventually graduate. You know how to do an assessment, which is the most fundamental part of nursing, everything else will come in due time. We can and will be successful in nursing! Good luck!!!

CaliNicuRN · Mar 23, 2008

Hello New Grad!

I know I never felt I would get past that feeling. I am nearly 2 years into my career in the NICU. I actually left my first hospital because I was so scared of harming a patient. Within my first year and a half I changed hospitals 3 times. I have finally found my place.

I have days and patients I am still scared of. It does get better. I think a bit of fear in our career is a very healthy feeling. It keeps us asking questions and at a heightened state of awareness. Those feelings give us the ability to do more than we think we can. I am not talking about those who think they know all. Just keeping us to the point where we question ourselves and keep THINKING.

My best advice is to take a deep breath, focus on one shift at a time, study what you feel you need to learn more about, ASK questions (even if you have to keep asking the same question several times until someone explains it to where you can understand). We have a job where we should never stop learning. Take the time when not at work to study what makes you uncomfortable at work. I have often brought home standing orders (blank, of course) to study, careplans, and other quidelines so I can look at them when not in a hurry and rushed.

You will get there! YOU CAN DO IT! :up:

sweetie25 · Mar 24, 2008

Thanks for all the advice!! Just to know I am not alone in being so scared really helped me and gave me the courage to start applying for jobs. Sometimes a little advice can go a long way!