new grad and jobless: too sensitive and anxiety

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hi everyone

im from Canada. im so sad. im a new grad and i am jobless. i had a real awful time with my last preceptor and she didnt want to give me a reference. so i had to use other ppl to make up for it but it still does not look good.

the problem with my preceptor was largely due to me not being strong enough to stand my ground and stick up for myself. i pretty much just let her talk all over me and to others. i could have discussed my issues with my clinical instructor but i didnt know that i could change placements. now i live with a large painful lesson and a lot of regrets. its so sad.

i need to be more assertive with myself and speak my mind but it was hard for me to deal with criticism from others. im just too sensitive, like i want to cry. i did once actually and it was sooo embarasing. im trying to work on being stronger.

was anyone like this? is it wrong for me to be a nurse because i am so weak and sensitive and have lots of anxiety and low confidence. i think i also have social anxiety but it is getting better. i do talk to my patients and do health teachings and stuff and discuss issues with other team members but sometimes im so absorbed in my work that i cant sit with other staff and have a normal conversation about life because im either thinking about my work, or because i have no interest in their conversation and then i look like im weird cuz i dont talk. i know that i can be an amazing nurse but im just so hard on myself. i need to be hired in a place where someone will take me under their wing and teach me the 101s of nursing. what is wrong with me?

its also embarasing that i dont have a job yet. i applying but things are going slow...sigh...

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is anyone like this? does anyone have, or has had any feelings of worry throughout their practice? or am i the only one :(. i know i can do a great job in my practice but i need to overcome this worry first, and it takes time for me to settle in comfortably.

but was anyone like this throughout nursing school and still after graduation?

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Specializes in Staff nurse.

Okay, you are a grad, so you passed! Hold your head up! As for the assertiveness, practice on a trusted friend to help you role-play being more assertive and self-assured. It will come with practice and time.

Where do you want to work, acute, LTC, rehab, clinic, dialysis? Apply everywhere and offer to shadow an RN. Get plenty of rest and eat regularly, do something you enjoy once in a while. It is amazing how many ppl in the health care profession don't get enuff rest and eat properly (she says while guzzling a Dr Pepper and eating chocolate :)

Let us know how you do!

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Specializes in ER.

i think everyone after they graduate are always anxious and doubt their practice.. even though we went through all the schooling for it now in the real world we dont have our instructors backing us up if we mess up, so i think what you are going through is totally normal.. once you get hired to an area you like you will probably not feel confident in your skills for a good 6 months you work there... even nurse who have been nurses forever sometimes doubt themselves.. remember you will never be in this by yourself, in order to have a good unit you have to work as a team, everyone counts in the healthcare profession.. so if you are having a problem , or need some help i am sure someone will be willing to help you. good luck on finding a job and when you fell stressed just resd this:

you will be mentally stressed.

you will be emotionally challenged.

you will learn how to work together.

you will learn to work alone.

you will learn when to speak.

you will learn when to be silent.

you will learn when to lead.

you will learn when to follow.

you will be constructively criticized.

you will be praised.

you will shed a few tears.

you will share in each other's laughter.

you will learn the need to help eachother.

you will learn to help yourself.

you will learn to be part of a group.

you will learn to be yourself--an individual.

you will learn responsibility.

you will learn disipline.

you will learn these things because

someday someone's life will depend

on you.

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Specializes in Lactation Ed, Pp, MS, Hospice, Agency.

Hang in there! It took me 4-5 m to find my 1st job! It wasn't until I re-did my resume that I finally got a job.

To your interviews bring:

1. Copy of your resume & references

2. Your license & CPR card + any extra certs you have

3. Copy of your skills ck list

4. Your brag book of school awards, your best work in ns & anything else you feel will make you shine (drop this off day before if you can)

5. ALWAYS send a thank you card w/in 24hrs of your interview & f/u with a call or two w/in 48-72hrs

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