I just recently graduated from nursing school and am sitting for state boards.
During nursing school, I had the opportunity to start 2 IV's. Both of them were failed attempts. I never had a patient during clinical with a NG tube, trach, chest tube, or really any type of tube. I also never had the opportunity to draw blood. I feel unprepared in the real world due to lack of experience. I have had a lot experience with wound care, medication administration (IV, IM, SQ, PO, etc), catheters, complete physical assessments.
Is this a typical thing for new grad nurses? I don't want to feel stupid asking for help starting my first IV on the job, or suctioning a trach...
It'd completely normal. It's actually odd for someone to leave school and have those skills. The only reason I had some of them was that my daughter had had chest tubes, vents, trachs, wounds, home IV therapy, catheters, etc.
When I became a nurse 3 years ago, I had not started many IVs. I asked for help and worked at making myself do it.
I am currently precepting a new graduate with no experience with much. I'll tell you the same thing I tell her - make yourself do it. Ask for opportunities, repeatedly. Pursue those opportunities! Recently, I had my orientee go to a code. She'd never been in on one and I wanted her to see the controlled chaos.
Ask to observe anything and everything, then the next time, ask to either help or do it. Before long, you'll be an expert.
Specializes in Postpartum/Lactation/Nursing Education.
There are many bedside skills that new grads may not be proficient in or even have any real hands-on experience in. Don't let that stop you though. Hopefully you have a preceptor who can guide you and help you gain additional skills. I remember being petrified as a new grad because as a student we were not allowed to start IV's on real people, only those dummy arms. I was very lucky though because I has a great preceptor who let me practice on him. Whatever areas you feel deficient in, just be honest about it. If you have a preceptor, ask them. If you don't have a preceptor go to the supervisor, unit educator, or a manager and let them know your worries and ask them to help you gain some supervised experiences. Don't be afraid to ask for help. The only nurses that worry me are the ones who think they already know everything. Realize that all new grads have much to learn, as we all do. Nursing school gives you a foundation but experience will give you much more skill and understanding in regards to providing safe and effective patient care. Good luck
I swear. If someone started a thread stating that ADN nurses were less prepared or skilled than their BSN counterparts, allnurses would be in an uproar.
Nobody was bashing BSN new grads. Smoke a peace pipe.
It is normal for a new grad nurse to feel that way. Most of us don't get all the experience we need for the real world in school. You'll learn more when you start working as a nurse. Please don't ever feel scared to ask for help, you will not look stupid. It would be stupid to not ask for help and end up injuring the patient. Good luck, you will be okay. It just takes time!
I had the same issue as a new grad except I had never given an IM injection when I started as a nurse. I barely knew how to set up an IV drip either. Ridiculous. Do not EVER be afraid to approach your preceptor or another experienced nurse and say "I have never done this before, can you please help me?" It's never stupid, it's never wrong, and it will keep you from hurting someone. Good luck:)
TeeKay12
94 Posts
It'd completely normal. It's actually odd for someone to leave school and have those skills. The only reason I had some of them was that my daughter had had chest tubes, vents, trachs, wounds, home IV therapy, catheters, etc.
When I became a nurse 3 years ago, I had not started many IVs. I asked for help and worked at making myself do it.
I am currently precepting a new graduate with no experience with much. I'll tell you the same thing I tell her - make yourself do it. Ask for opportunities, repeatedly. Pursue those opportunities! Recently, I had my orientee go to a code. She'd never been in on one and I wanted her to see the controlled chaos.
Ask to observe anything and everything, then the next time, ask to either help or do it. Before long, you'll be an expert.