New grad reality shock?

cannoli · Jan 19, 2004

This may not always be the case, but hopefully you will have a good charge nurse for the shift who can be a resource person for you, someone who knows the docs, and who can be a valuable source of information, advice, etc. If not, sometimes it helps to ask another nurse their opinion or advice, and then you can make your own decision.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, even if someone makes you feel stupid for doing so, that is their problem, not yours.

Doctors consult each other all the time. Why do some nurses make others feel so stupid when they ask a question as if we are supposed to know everything and be able to handle everything on our own?

Even experienced nurses don't know it all!

I am a firm believer in asking questions, and I do it all the time.

Good luck to all of you!

peaceful2100, BSN, RN · Jan 19, 2004

I agree with basically everyone else.

Although the level of reality shock will differ from new grad to new grad I believe ALL new grads go through some inital reality shock whether they choose to admit to it or not.

When I first started I was so nervous and thought to myself oh my I think I made a mistake, a wrong career decision. I did not want to give it time. It takes time when you are a new grad to learn protocols and procedures, learn when to call the doctor and when it is ok not to call the doctor, learn how to do things you really did not get much practice in school such as IV's. Which I still have NOT been able to get an IV yet and and I have been out of school for 8 months now and a R.N. for 3 months now. However, I am determined to one day be successful.

The last sentence in purple mania's post is a WONDERFUL post that EVERY one needs to keep in mind if they plan on making it and staying in this profession, purple mania said "We are accountable and responsible for our own learning and personal growth". Oh, That is soooooooooo true!!!!! NEVER forget that. You can sit back and wait for the opportunities to come right to you because you have to reach out for them and look for them.

It will get better. I still have LOTS to learn and I am DEFINITELY not even close to be considered experienced. HOWEVER, each and every day I do become more and more comfortable and begin to feel more confident in the care I give.

hmccartn · Jan 20, 2004

we are accountable and responsible for our own learning and personal growth

purplemania....your statement above is so true and i agree wholeheartedly. i have a friend who graduated from nursing...got scared of the hospital environment, went into community nursing and still has yet to challenge herself to learning how to do her job better. i am definitely not that type of person. i love to learn more and do better...it's been interesting to read peoples replies..i have heard of the "reality shock" phenomenon and was interested to hear peoples opinions. thanks

TinyNurse, RN · Jan 20, 2004

My shock just out of school was good rather than scarey..... remember your preceptor is still there, people know you are a new grad and will not put you in a nasty situation.

One of my greatest shocks was I had my license only 2 weeks,,,,,,,, a woman who spoke no english handed me a baby in ER, who was insp. stridor, weak cry and about 7 weeks old. I took a spo2, HR, and told the doc immediately...........

I've had many other "shocks" since then, but they keep getting easier and easier.

Find a resource person, reflect each day on your own knowledge, read the chart when you have time to determine the pathophysiology......

new grad is hard, but watch, ask questions, and listen when people are talking.....

the thing i'm trying to deal with at the moment is people running levoquin ( and any other NON-cardiac med) off of the pump........

i was always taught to run that stuff on a pump...... so i'm trying to learn to "eyeball" as they say......... there are no pumps available, so i try to watch the drip rate.

xo Jen

TinyNurse, RN · Jan 20, 2004

ahh regarding the post that states "please ask those stupid questions"........... i told my preceptor yesterday, "i'm sorry if i ask too many questions....." the charge nurse was standing there, and she said " well ya know what , if people did ask those questions, we would have less problems.

CCU NRS · Jan 20, 2004

Originally posted by hmccartn
Has anyone experienced this or have any opinions regarding the issue. I am finishing up my BN and have heard lots about the reality shock new grads experience upon starting their new jobs. My initial thoughts are that in nursing school we are taught way too much about the ideals and not about how to deal with the realities of nursing today. what are your thoughts?

The best advice I could give you would be to make sure where ever you go to work make sure they have a good orientation program and do not be bullied into to coming off orientation early if you don't feel comfortable. The second part is really getting a good preceptor, someone that will work with you and explain things when asked and not just expect to have you go ahead and take the Pts and just follwo up on your work. If you don't feel that your preceptor is good it is best to attempt to change early to avoid hurt feelings and other probelms, ask the manager if you could possibly have someone else as a preceprtor. I feel it is important to have a good relationship with your preceptor someone with whom you can communicate easily and you feel will help you learn the ropes and set a rhythm.

I am not sure how it is in other places my facility has a 12 week new employee orientation. I thought it was great even though I was an LPN for 9 years prior to graduation I knew there were going to be differences. I think the orientation period was great.

I don't know what feild you are going into but each area is a little different. Good Luck

Lindz · Jan 20, 2004

The one thing I have learned in my first year is there is always someone there to ask questions. I started out asking what should I do, but now learn more when I say can I run something by you. School did teach you critical thinking skills so use them. Assess your situation and your plan of action. You'd be surprised that you really do know more than you think. The only way to really get over the new grad culture shock is to roll up your sleeves, put your gloves on, and get down and dirty.