New Grad and my stress level is at a MAX!!! Help

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So Im a new graduate as of August 6th, continued working as an aid until the 1st when I could take my test. Took it, passed with flying colors-or so I would like to think- and started my first job as an LPN at a LTC facility that I have worked at for the past 5 1/2 years.

I dont know what I was thinking. Last week was my first week and I came home crying every day because I was (and still am) positive that I learned NOTHING in school. I didnt get that much experience at charting, and had NO experience at orders-the med pass and treatments Ive got down-and assessments as well, but everything else, NO CLUE!!!! Im frustrated and about to pull my last hair out of my head. The nurse orientating me is helpful to a point...she just keeps saying that it will come to me, but when???

Im not sure to exact wording and writing in the MAR...does anyone know of something that would help me out?!? I would greatly appreciate any feed back anyone has...

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I'm in the same boat, but as an RN. I graduated in May...I can pass my meds but woah they never had us do any of the million pages of paperwork and orders in school. I'm clueless.

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Specializes in Cardiac Progressive Care.

harder88,

I just graduated in May and I started my job in late July. I was in class the first 3-4 weeks so I haven't been on the floor the whole time, but the difference between me (then) and me (now) is huge! However, as a byproduct of all the stress, I've developed a lovely little wine habit. Not something I'm totally proud of, but I doubt I'm the only new grad to get one. I've cried on my way to work and cried on my way home from work. I have dreams about work, and when I'm not there I keep thinking about things I could've done differently or may have done wrong. The anxiety is overwhelming. I've tried talking to my husband and my family, but they don't quite get it, though they do try...I can honestly say, the biggest help for me was finding an experienced nurse to talk to. Thankfully, my husbands aunt has become my greatest source of comfort. I can call her or email her with anything and she never calls me "OCD" or "paranoid" or anything like that. She understands what it feels like to be a newbie and she can relate to everything I throw at her. She reminds me that I can't be perfect (though I constantly try to be) and that I need to lighten up. She reminds me of the positives and the good things I do (which is good because all I can do is focus on the bad stuff for some reason.) She's helped me in so many ways, and I would tell anyone else who is struggling like I am to find someone like her. Most older or experienced nurses are happy to be a mentor/friend to a new grad. They find it flattering, and it keeps things in perspective for them.

Also, I don't know if you have internet access at your work, but the nurses on my floor look up stuff on google all the time. I'm sure theres a website out there that'll help you with your wording.

I hope things get easier for you soon. I hope you can take some comfort in knowing you're not alone. All my best to you, you're gonna be just fine!!! =)

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Specializes in Physician's Office.

I graduated in May as well, and I haven't found a job yet, but I felt that charting was one of my weaker areas, so I picked up Charting Made Incredibly Easy, and I have found it to be helpful. I would suggest doing what a previous poster suggested: find an experienced nurse to be your mentor, someone you can go to with questions and for advice. Someone you feel comfortable with. A mentor does not have to be your orienting nurse. It sounds to me as though you are stressed because you are very conscientious, and this is a good thing (not so much the stress, though!). If you continue to be concerned, talk to your nurse manager to see if she has any strategies or ideas to help you. It may take some time, but I have heard that it all gets easier.

Hang in there, I have no doubts you are an excellent nurse!! :)

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics, LTC.

My preceptor told me it would take about 4 months to feel like I was 'getting it' and she was right on the nose. 4-6 months is a good goal. In the meantime, try to relax. the brain doesn't absorb well when stressed. Listen. Ask. Watch. Ask to watch. Practice. read up on drugs and common problems your patients have. Ask more questions. Read more. You get the idea. read other nurses notes, see what the facility requires. Ask your DON. read the facilities policies and procedures manuals. make nice with your aides!! It gets better, and you will too.

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Specializes in Acute Care, CM, School Nursing.

Don't be so hard on yourself! You will "get it", but it takes time.

Believe me. I was a huge bundle of nerves when I graduated and started my first RN job. I was a wreck, constantly. Crying on the way to work, feeling like I wanted to vomit. As soon as I left work, I was already stressing about my next shift. What if I make a mistake? What if something happens, and I don't know what to do?? What if..., What if...

"Real" nursing is waaaay different than being in nursing school. Maybe see your doctor about possibly trying an anti-anxiety med? At least for the short term, anyway.

Best wishes!

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Specializes in CCU.

I'm also convinced that I learned nothing in nursing school. I'm working my first job in the ICU and today is my first day off of orienation and I cant stand the constant fear and anxiety I am feeling. Seriously, is nursing worth feeling this way? I'm even having dreams about work.

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Specializes in Home Care.

My first few months were very stressful. I'm into my fifth month and things have definitely come together and my time management is under control.

Stop beating yourself up and give yourself time to learn.

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I'm also convinced that I learned nothing in nursing school. I'm working my first job in the ICU and today is my first day off of orienation and I cant stand the constant fear and anxiety I am feeling. Seriously, is nursing worth feeling this way? I'm even having dreams about work.

I've been working as an RN for about 8 months now in ICU, and while I'm by no means an expert, in ICU I can tell you that you have to have a passion for it. We learned lots of things in nursing school, and most of it is relevant. One of my senior nurses told me that to be successful in ICU, you have to have really good BASIC nursing skills. If you aren't feeling confident about it, you could probably ask to work on a lower acuity unit for a while until you are really ready for ICU. But don't agree to take intensively sick patients if you don't feel you are ready, you won't do yourself or those patients any good. We may be nurslings, but no one knows us better than we know ourselves. Take the time you need to get the skills you need, you owe it to yourself and your patients.

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