New graduate and scared...i cant be the only one.

CrufflerJJ, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Jun 11, 2009

Hey,
I just graduated. I'm not scared of the NCLEX at all, but i am scared of working as a new nurse. I am terrified that i will kill someone and lose my license and never be able to pay off my student loans. I get nauseous when i even think about it.
It cant be as bad as i think it will be...can it?

I'll be starting my first RN job in about a month. I'll admit that I am a bit nervous, and expect to be stressed by all the new stuff I'll need to get arranged inside my head during the first year. I will do my best to avoid mistakes, but accept that I am human (but will still feel like incompetent feces when I make a mistake).

I think that every new grad has some of these same feelings. A good preceptor should be able to help us deal with these concerns. I think that some level of nervousness/anxiety is good (to keep us on our toes). If it reaches the level of excessive fear, then it might be time to talk with your program director or a trusted instructor.

Good luck to both you and me!

Crux1024 · Jun 11, 2009

Hey,
I just graduated. I'm not scared of the NCLEX at all, but i am scared of working as a new nurse. I am terrified that i will kill someone and lose my license and never be able to pay off my student loans. I get nauseous when i even think about it.
It cant be as bad as i think it will be...can it?

It sounds like you went into my head and yanked my thoughts out of my head. lol.

I feel the same way. I started today and everything went ok. My preceptor was ok with this..I was just honest with her about my comfort level from the beginning and the day went well. I start my 12 hour shifts on monday.

Just stay calm and focused. Listen to your instinct. Remember your nursing school basics and know that the real world of nursing begins now. Good Luck.