New Grad Worried I Forgot Everything I Learned in School

[natclark28, ADN, BSN, RN]

Hello! I graduated with my ADN in May 2019 & my BSN in Dec. 2019 and finally have a job within the hospital setting. I have been out of real school since May 2019 so I am nervous that I have forgotten everything crucial that I learned (medications, disease processes, basic knowledge, s/s, ect.). I start my new job on a Neuro/Trauma PCU in April and wanted some advice about what I should be reviewing(if I even need to review), how to cope with the stress/anxiety of being a new grad nurse, and how to prepare for my new career? I know that school and actually working in the field are completely different but I want to be prepared and not feel or sound like a total idiot, if possible. Thank you for any advice & help!

[nursej22, MSN, RN]

If you have any material left from studying for NCLEX I would look through those. Perhaps start with a body system and review A&P, most common disorders, labs and meds. I would start with something I feel pretty good about or something you are really interested in.

Review the function. What is it supposed to do and how do you know its working? This would be your assessment. What typical meds might be given for abnormal function.

Khan Academy works well for some people. Did you have to make drug cards for school? I would peruse those too.

[Newbie4567]

I would go over basic assessment and neuro assessment skills. Do you have a friend/partner you could practice on? Definitely review the 5 rights and safe medication administration.

I’m also a new nurse, four months off of orientation in an ICU and I can tell you the first few weeks are focused primarily on reviewing those basic skills, as well as organization and planning. You will learn A LOT, very quickly, but it will be okay in the end. Good luck!

[BradleyRN]

School barely prepares you for the real world. It takes a year, and everybody did it. So regardless of how others act, they were once like you are now. Ask questions. Don't do procedures you haven't been shown and then overseen performing. Be a new nurse, like you are. You aren't supposed to know anything.