New Grad Nurse and Overwhelmed

[Wizkid3726]

So i am a new grad nurse and i started working in a GMF/med-surg floor. I am 6 weeks into my 8 week orientation and i am feeling extremely overwhelmed. Everyday when i wake up for work i feel nauseated, i throw up, i start to get heart palpations and get anxiety. I knew that being a new grad was going to be hard and i was going to make mistakes but every time i step on the floor i feel like a complete idiot. So much is thrown at me that I'm starting to think if i made the right career choice. I feel that no matter how much i try i don't do anything right whether its charting, not notifying the doctor about something, paying too much attention to one patient, taking too long passing meds, or not know enough about my patient. I have two preceptors whom are great but sometimes i feel that they are not giving me enough credit. One of my preceptors is really blunt and lectures me in front of the other nurses and it makes me feel more of an idiot. Don't me wrong however, she is the better one of my two preceptors, she holds me accountable for everything and doesn't hold my hand whereas the other one treats me more like a student than an actual nurse. I been told that our GMF is really difficult to start in because its the hardest GMF in the hospital but that still doest make me feel better. I been keeping these feelings to myself because i don't have anybody to talk to. I don't stay in touch with any nursing friends and my parents just say to suck it up but its coming to the point where i can't sleep, i am not able to enjoy things i like to do and i am not eating that much. About two weeks i went to go a chiropractor and i found out that i have hypertension and had a BP of 151/78 so i know this is also affecting my health. Did anybody else have similar situations?

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

That was my experience too. I chose the "power through and do your best" coping method. I don't think people should be put in a position to feel that stressed over a job, but in nursing it is death to your career to admit weakness.

[Jacqueline Jeffrey, BSN]

I know this was posted a few months ago but I just wanted to say that yes, what you’re feeling is completely normal. Nursing takes a while to get the hang of. I felt so overwhelmed as a new grad on a medical nephrology unit that I would go home and cry almost every night! I’m sure you give it everything you have and leave feeling like you failed, because this is how every new nurse feels. It just takes time. I remember feeling better and like maybe there was hope for me after all around 6 months - 1 year. Hang in there, you will get there too.

[jiowa12]

Just keep your head up. There is a lot to learn and take in all at once. I was in your shoes not to long ago. It was a good year before I really felt comfortable. I work on cardiac step down and was constantly asking questions. Find one or two good nurse mentors and always notify the md. It’s best to cover you a$$.

[Robin Verde, ADN, BSN, RN]

I have been a nurse in a hospital for exactly 3 days. I have 4 degrees and I constantly feel like a complete idiot every time I step on the floor. My preceptors are extremely nice but firm. The entire floor has been nothing but helpful, from doctors right on down to PCA's. But, that is not stopping me from feeling like a dunce daily. I told my manager how I was feeling and she told me to stop being so hard on myself and that it'll take a year for me to feel comfortable. I can't wait until that day comes because I hate being lost in the sauce.

[AnLe, ASN, RN]

I expressed such feelings to my director when I first started. He said he expects me to have tunnel vision. Just to ensure my patients are safe and to know when something is wrong. If something is wrong, follow the MEWS card we have, tell our charge or get the input of another nurse. Later, as I gain more experience and get comfortable in my role, I will expand my vision and eventually look at the greater picture.

Ask any nurse available a quick question if you have it. It's better feel safe about what you're doing. A lot about nursing is nursing judgment. Secondly, I always looked up information I was unsure about on days off, so I could be knowledgeable for my patients.

It doesn't matter if the nurses around you think you ask too many questions or take too long, as long as the patient is safe. (I'm still that nurse after 1.5 years.)

[Lovethenurse2b25, ASN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN]

I know how you feel. I am a new grad and i work a rehabilitation hospital and per diem at a subacute rehab every day i work i feel overwhelmed.

One thing i will say is that nursing school will never fully prepare you for the amount of paperwork you have to get use to filling out. And the anxiety you feel calling the doctor, families etc.

As a charge nurse brand new grad i have sit amongst all the administrators during the morning meaning and half the time i don't know what the heck is going on between the MDS coordinator and Case management.

Hang in there we will be great nurses.