New grad feeling overwhelmed - my thoughts

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Hi everyone! I'm a recent RN new grad who has been working for about three weeks now. I have a 3 month orientation where I work with another nurse. I'm very grateful for where I am now in my young career, but I can't help but notice how overwhelmed I feel on some days. I try to do a much as I can when I'm on the floor, but find myself still leaning on my mentor RN from time to time (who is nice & helpful). I mean was just a student less than two months ago, and I still feel like I don't know anymore than I did then. It's quite a transition, but I guess the only way to get better is to work more to gain more experience. These are just some of my thoughts and feelings, what do you guys think?

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don't worry...a lot of us have been there.

When I was a new grad RN, I had a hard time getting everything done.

After 6 months it was better...after a yr ...definitely better.

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Your lucky. When I graduated, it was five days orientation and then I was left to fend for myself. Every day got a little bit better, but I swear that's when my hair started to turn grey.

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Specializes in Med-surg.

Hey B3dorca,

I'm a new grad RN (pending:bugeyes:) as well and I've been working for about a month now on a busy surgical unit. I have a mentor as well for 8 weeks. I feel overwhelmed as well sometimes!!... I don't think that this is just unique to us, but rather something that all new grads have to deal with. I think it's all just a part of transitioning from a student to the professional role. As Fiona59 and GlobalRN said, I think it gets a little bit easier each day as you perfect your skills, and learn the ropes. Good luck with your job and CONGRATS on your new career!!!:yeah::yeah:

Thanks for posting, it's comforting to know that it's not just me:D!!

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Specializes in Neonatal.

I'm a new grad as well. So far I've had 10 shifts of orientation and have 4 left to go, then I'm on my own. I'm starting to become very anxious. Although I do know I'll be ok (I think), it's just nerve wracking to think of all the things I have yet to learn.

I cannot seem to get past the feeling that I'm forgetting to do something, at the end of every shifts. I check and re check the MARS and charts and my worksheet, and know I haven't forgotten, but I still feel like I have. My mentor says that it's just the transition period because right now, noone's checking my charts and checking to make sure everything is done.

I sure hope I am ready to be on my own!!

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Specializes in ED.

Even though your orientation will end, there will always be someone to ask or somewhere to look it up if you're unsure of something! Don't worry...everything will work out.

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Specializes in Internal Medicine.

Don't worry when your new people will help even when your orientation was over.

When mine was up was funny- 3rd day working someone left for a family emergency so my mentor got pulled to take her load and I was on my own. Supposed to be 15 shifts or something, but after that the charge was like "well you did great, your orientation is over"

hahaha.

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Specializes in Oncology.

Yeah, don't worry....the 1st year is going to be tough. It takes a while to learn the specifics of the workplace and getting more comfortable with the assignments. I remember my beginnings...after working 12-13 hours straight with no breaks, at the end I felt so happy...it was the end of my shift and it felt like I won a battle.

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Specializes in med/surg.

There are days when even an experienced nurse can feel overwhelmed. As long as you have supportive colleagues you will be fine! Have confidence in yourself & don't try to be "super nurse" s/he doesn't exist!!

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There are days when even an experienced nurse can feel overwhelmed. As long as you have supportive colleagues you will be fine! Have confidence in yourself & don't try to be "super nurse" s/he doesn't exist!!

Great little post :) how many new nurses (and instructors) need to realize that "super nurse" doesn't exist!!!

I'll try to remember that when I hopefully get my hands on a license :) although I'll tend to forget :heartbeat

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I am a new grad. I was offered a job recently on a busy med, surg unit in a hospital and turned it down. My knees are not so good, that is why. I did shadow the unit for a full shift so I did get a feel for it. I do work PRN for a docs. office. I am still learning, BUT DO NOT FEEL OVERWHELMED. I know I am not learning the 'hard core' stuff at the docs. office, but I feel comfortable. I am still learning things. There is still charting and all. If I have a ques. the experienced nurses are right there. We also jump in and help each other out. My personal opinion, is that all nurses should start in a docs. office. You will build up confidence and learn at a reasonable pace. Just my 2 cents. Then you can move on if you wish. I am happy with my job. :p

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