new grad with 1st nursing job

Nurses New Nurse

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hello,

I am in a new grad program at kaiser in the med/surg department. I have been on the floor for a couple of days and feel very lost and overwhelmed!!!!!! :smackingf The real world of nursing is way different than when I was a nursing student. I feel that I am not organized and all over the place. the training program is 8 weeks long. I feel that 8 weeks is not enough--at least that is what I say now.

Does it get better?? easier?? any advise is very much appreciated.:yeah:

thanks

bubba04:nurse:

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Specializes in SICU.

Hugs to you. Hang in there and report back as you go through your training. It does get better. Here's another hug.

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Thanks for your encouragement. Really means a lot. Will keep you posted.

bubba04 :chair:

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Specializes in ER, Medicine.

Awww...you're so not alone.

I just accepted a job as an ER nurse and now I'm wondering if I should have chosen something less intensive. Only because I'm afraid of not knowing enough and lacking confidence.

Rest assured that 99.9% of new nurses go through this. Sometimes I wonder how I ever passed nursing school or the NCLEX. I feel like there's so much I simply just don't know.

What I'm doing is taking notes on the things that go on at work like protocols, procedures, common drugs and conditions, assessment tools etc. At night I review these things and try to learn from them. When I'm working I ask questions and get as involved as I can, even if I'm scared to death.

But at the end of the day I always leave a little smarter and a little less antsy. I've heard people say it can take up to a year to become really confident in what you're doing.

Remember you are new and no one expects you to have the experience of someone that's been nursing for 50 years all in the first week. Learn a little, give a little, grow a little. Hang in there.

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Thanks

Today I felt a little better. I am working with 2 pts now and next week maybe with 3. Both of my pts were total care. one had this major wound with a vac dressing(that needed changing) and my other was a very anemic pt that needed a transfusion. I got the med part done as far as documenting, but my charting is where I fall behind. Also the telemetry is a bit hard b/c I have not gotten tele certified yet. I know it will get better.

Feels good to know that there are nice folks as you all that gives me hope and encouragement. love this website!!!!!!!!!!1

abundantjoy07 how is the ER going?

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Specializes in Emergency.

Right there with you! I am one month into work (take boards on the 30th). I work on a tele/med unit. My first day on the unit was a very sobering experience for me. MY patients, MY responsibility, MY license on the line. One patient and I couldn't keep up! This week I am up to 3 patients, 4 by the end of the week. I feel much more organized, and more confident in my care. I still run things by my preceptor, if it's something I 've never had to do, or if I have made a decision and want confirmation that I am on target with treatment. Still getting used to the paperwork, since we did not do much of it in school. Luckily, my facility charts by exception, so no narratives! And it is computer based charting, so lots of times it is point and click. I went through two days of tele training, which we never learned in school. They taught us the rhythms, and what abnormal rhythms are emergent, and how they would be treated. I still do not feel totally confident, but I can recognize a problem now. Also the seasoned RNs on my unit are great, and are always there to help if I have a question. I got out of school, and felt like I knew something...I am now realizing how little I truly know, but I have been assured that it comes with experience. Its' part of what I love about being a nurse: Never a dull moment, and always something new to challenge me. I have had to deal with some issues, but not yet a true emergency or code. We'll see if I still feel as confident after that! I can say that it has gotten better since my first day.

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I am a new grad too and I feel like 8 weeks is too short, especially if you are on med/surg.. I think you might want to let them know how you feel about it...they may be more flexible than you think.

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Specializes in Adult Acute Care Medicine.

I am new too. 5 weeks into orientation, but I can tell you that it does become easier. I have already become more organized and feel more comfortable/confident, and I am still in orientation. I have "polled" the nurses I work with and most state it take 6 months to a year to become really confident. You'll do fine.

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I am new too. 5 weeks into orientation, but I can tell you that it does become easier. I have already become more organized and feel more comfortable/confident, and I am still in orientation. I have "polled" the nurses I work with and most state it take 6 months to a year to become really confident. You'll do fine.

I LIVE IN NEW YORK, DOES ANY ONE KNOW HOW I CAN FIND A JOB I AM A NEW RN GRADUATE AND SENDING OUT MY RESUME DOES NOT WORK

TOO MUCH RNS HERE

IS THERE A PROGRAM THAT HELP NEW GRADUATES FIND WORK

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