New Grad Feeling Insecure

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Hey all,

I started orientation as a new grad nurse on a general med/surg floor today. I start precepting in a few days. If I'm being really honest, I feel really insecure and I'm having so much anxiety about my new position.

I have social anxiety (not diagnosed) and I have trouble "fitting in" with others, tend to be shy/introverted/awkward at times, I say the most random thangs, and now I'm wondering why a person like me is in this profession in the first place. It's not even about competency; assessments, meds, and nursing skills will become habit in due time.

I just have this nagging thought in the back of my mind of what others think about me. It slows me down. Makes me think I'm not good enough. I start to say negative things like, "I'm nervous about this learning curve ahead of me" to my managers. I'm coming off really insecure.

I'm really considering seeing a therapist and starting CBT because I haven't been able to manage any of this on my own.

I would LOVE your thoughts and experiences. Any advice? How do you stay confident?

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Specializes in Clinical Leadership, Staff Development, Education.

I have been a nurse for 20+ years and can still relate to the unique experience of being a new nurse. I wish I could go back to my 25 year old self and say "Stay out of your own head!". It is so easy for our negative self talk to become that dangerous voice of reason driving our thoughts and emotions. It is normal to have insecurities as your career begins but becomes an issue when it is effecting your overall quality of life. I think seeing a therapist is an excellent idea and will help in positively changing your internal dialogue. Good luck!

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Specializes in med surg.

I really needed to read this right now. Im getting ready to start soon and I am a nervous wreck. I worry way to much what people think and am so concerned I will come off as a total dumb a$$!

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Specializes in Telemetry, Med-Surg, Peds.

I've been working my first RN job for 5 months and I still feel out of sorts. I have been off orientation since the middle of June and my first day on my own was nerve-racking. But, I had a ton of support. My pod mate was always asking if I was okay or if I had any questions. Our charge nurse would come around every so often to check in on me. And my former preceptor was just a hallway away and made herself available for any questions I had. To this day I still have questions to ask. And I am forever thankful that my co-workers are there to help. I hope you find yourself surrounded by supportive people.

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Specializes in med surg.
I've been working my first RN job for 5 months and I still feel out of sorts. I have been off orientation since the middle of June and my first day on my own was nerve-racking. But, I had a ton of support. My pod mate was always asking if I was okay or if I had any questions. Our charge nurse would come around every so often to check in on me. And my former preceptor was just a hallway away and made herself available for any questions I had. To this day I still have questions to ask. And I am forever thankful that my co-workers are there to help. I hope you find yourself surrounded by supportive people.

Thats amazing and I keep praying that I have that type of experience. I have heard so many horror storys as well of people just not getting along with their preceptor, I think that it just adds fuel to my fears

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