New LPN/RN student

[TinkerNurse]

Okay I very recently received my license to practice as a practical nurse and I think I have a job lined up in LTC, however I am extremely nervous and unsure of myself. First the program I went to was not at all what I expected it to be. We did very little hands on care other than bed baths, bed making, etc and I just don't feel as if I recieved a very thorough, strong education. I am scared to death that once I start I will end up looking like a fool that has no buisness anywhere near residents/patients. Basically, I am terrified that I am not smart/capable enough to do what I am suppose to do. What makes makes the situation worse is that this particular facility is one of the only places in the area willing to work around my school schedule AND hire a new grad. I am starting to regret even going to college, at least if i had to live hand to mouth without a degree I would have not had to pay back 25k in student loans. I am close to giving up. 8( I don't know if this post is meant to just vent or ask for advice...I just feel really lost in life and unsure of myself.

[Winnieehtpooh]

TinkerNurse,

First of all, ask yourself do you have a passion, TLC, and patience of wanting to take care of others? If your answer is yes, then I think you should continue to pursue your nursing career as an RN. But first of all, you need to make a decision if this career is for you. You were able to complete your schooling for LPN and I assume you passed your boards for LPN due to you have a job offer at a long-term-care facility. That tells me that you are a smart individual and competent of your skills; you just lack confidence in yourself and need to overcome your fears and anxiety. As a nurse, you need to believe in the skills taught to you in school. If you do feel that you are weak in a particular area, always ask for help. A good competent nurse will always be willing to help, assist, and teach you if you feel uncomfortable about a particular procedure/task in patient care. Just because you have a nursing license, doesn't mean you know everything. Your confidence and nursing skills will grow on you as you start applying your skills to your work.You've heard of the phrase, "quality is better than quantity?" For example, It makes you a better nurse if you are able to do one task right than do ten half-hazard task. This is very true in patient care. Don't worry, hang in there (I can relate to your situation). When I was a newly graduate, I had only two days of orientation and then was thrown onto the floor by myself. I had to oversee and care for 42 patients. I relied only on the skills taught to me in school and during clinicals. When I didn't know how to do something or had questions or just need someone to oversee me do a procedure, I ASKED FOR HELP! I can tell you I love my job. It is very rewarding when a patient, family, doctor or colligue tells you that you are a good nurse or that they appreciate the work you do. Right now, I am also pursing my nursing career as an RN. I am also in the accelerated program & struggling with two kid, a huband, fiancial problems, and work all at the same time. I believe in myself that I can achieve my goal and I WILL achieve my goal. I also believe that you can too! Just hang in there, the outcome will be very rewarding. Believe in yourself, stay positive, and SMILE

P.S. HOPEFULLY MY ADVICE HELPS YOU...