New Grad Nurse. What should I do?

Nurses New Nurse

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So I just started my first job as an RN. I graduated nursing school with my bachelors in May and was lucky enough to find a job in Oregon. I worked my third shift last night and it was awful. I felt like I didn't know anything at all and that all my schooling had taught me nothing. In the middle of the shift I literally felt like going into the bathroom and crying. It was so stressful and hectic that I didn't feel like I was able to focus at times. Is this normal? Are things going to start clicking? My preceptor is nice and encouraging, but there were 10 high acuity patients with just her and one other nurse. She actually managed to tell me I did a good job, but I think she felt bad for me. I've wanted to be a nurse since I was 5, but I don't want my dumbness to hurt anyone. I try to care for and love all my patients and just want the best for them. I have to go back in tonight and feel like I'm going to throw up.

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Specializes in LTC.

Things will start clicking, watch you will see. Being a new grad is tough. It is very hard at times to transition from student nurse to nurse as the real world and nursing school are very different. Hang in there ! You seem like you are doing a good job, your preceptor would not make that up. Good luck and you can do this ! :)

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Don't be so hard on yourself! I am also a new grad, and although I am not working just yet, I completely know how you feel! I felt exactly the same way this summer when I was doing my summer practicum! I've heard from many people that it takes about 6 months for things to "click." It sounds like you work with some good people who want to help you feel better about yourself, and give you praise. So just don't be afraid to ask questions and keep learning! Good luck!

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Specializes in ED, Cardiac-step down, tele, med surg.

I've heard the first 6 months are hell. Be careful with patients, don't take on more than you can handle, be safe to protect your license and things will start to get better and you will become more confident. Take advantage of the education department at your work if they have one. Try to review things you don't know on your own, then ask someone to walk you through it after already having an idea of what you are going to do.

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I graduated this May as well. I just came off a 3 month orientation in the ICU and I know how you feel. It is tough starting out because we are new and unsure but I believe it gets better. I can already notice a slight difference in my shifts now compared to the first few weeks. It's just a transition and we have to go through it, look at each day as an acomplishment and be eager to learn and continue to grow. We are gonna be alright, I have faith in GOD and truly believe that. I wish you the best and please hang in there :)

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Specializes in OR/DR/RR, Surgical Unit.

I will be working tonight as a Grad Nurse and it will be my first shift. I am an IEN worked 3 years in OR and now I will be assigned in Gen Surgery ward. Though I have hospital experience back home, I feel that graduates from here are more equipped than me. Equipment, supplies and procedures are all new to me. I haven't started working but I feel like crying now :crying2:. The orientation week was really overwhelming, how much more if I'm on the floor later. My probationary period will be two months, and I will work with a buddy for a month. What can you suggest so I can adjust easily?

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I'm a new grad nurse also (graduated 1/2011) and have been working in a PICU for about 4 months now. I'm about a month off of orientation and I still feel this way at times!! There are good days and then there are days where I feel like I need to clarify every single thing I do with someone else. Partly because I'm sooo afraid to make a mistake and partly because there are just so many things you will encounter on any unit and a lot of it you might not see until you are off orientation and on your own. I've also had those days where I felt like I was going to break down and cry... most recently on a shift last week, and i DID cry (waited until my break of course) and felt a million times better after!!! All I can say is nursing is tough! But it does get better. I know i've only been working 4 months but I look back at the beginning of my orientation and remember the things that gave me problems or that I was worried about and they seem so simple now! Of course there is a whole new group of things i'm worried about but that's expected. However, if at the end of my shift I managed to get everything done (even if I dont leave til well after 8) and my patients are safe then I feel like I got the job done. It does get easier. Hang in there!!! :)

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Unfortunately, I have learned that this is the norm. Just hang in there the best you can. Every week should get a little better and as you have good shifts, you will gain a little confidence each time. You ae still going to have good/bad days and the bad ones SUCK. Just set yourself a goal of progressing a little more each week. That will help with the confidence. From what I have read on here and talking to other nurses it does get better. We have STEEP learning curve right of school. We were taught to pass NCLEX, not how to be nurses. It;s rough. I'm going through the same thing myself. We will make it though! We worked way to hard not too. Also, look around and remind yourself that if all those other nurses have figured it out, it will eventually click with you as well. Good luck!

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