New LVN Grad not feeling ready.

[moomin, LPN]

I have 1 more week of LVN school and I am really not feeling ready for the floor. I'm struggling with low confidence about my ability to perform hands on skills. I don't feel like my school prepared me enough for the hands on skills performed by an LVN. Is this a common feeling for a new grad to have? Going in to my school program, I really thought I would feel way more confident and ready for the real world by the end. I thought I would have most, if not all, of the skills under my belt. Are nursing managers expecting entry level hires to be ready to perform these skills at the drop of a hat, or will they go over the skills again in the orientation? I would appreciate any feedback from anyone to help ease my anxiety and fear.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

What you are experiencing is perfectly normal. You truly learn to become a nurse once you're in the job, and it will take about a year to feel comfortable.

[sissiesmama, ASN, RN]

I definitely understand! I felt that way after starting my first LPN job. My preceptor explained to me that I would learn more during my first year as a nurse than I did during school.

I tried to not panic and take each shift as it came - I was still nervous but that did help me quite a bit. It is unnerving to get out on the floor after graduation but please keep in mind that you are not alone having that fear!

Good luck!

Anne, RNC

[AikoTheNurse]

I graduated in July and I just took my NCLEX I think what you are feeling is perfectly normal. I didn’t feel ready after CNA school and now that I can practice as LPN (same as LVN) I an super nervous again. make sure you prepare for the NCLEX. I used UWorld and passed the first time with the minimum questions and I have very bad testing anxiety. I’ve actually got a second interview tomorrow for a hospital job that I really want. Congratulations for finishing LVN school not everyone can say they did that! ? just try to find your first job somewhere that does training for more than 2 days. (Nursing homes in Missouri only train for 1-3 days, I’m not sure about other states.)

[tiffanyB12]

Of course the school cannot possibly prepare you enough. I graduated at the top of my class from my LVN school, which was great by the way, and still did not feel ready. That's because in school we learn the basics, the rest is up to you. I learned everything else on the job! I worked hard in school, had great habits and time management and continued the same way at work. I looked up every medication I didn't know, symptoms, medical conditions, asked questions and tried to learn as much as a could from my coworkers and doctors. It all paid off. The learning doesn't stop regardless how experienced you get. I work in Urgent Care/Multi specialty medical building so we get a great variety. Good luck!

By the way, I second using Uwolrd for Nclex prep.

[iseeincolor]

I was in the same boat in nursing school. Did well on exams, but struggled a bit in clinicals due to nerves. On top of that, I had a very unprofessional clinical instructor that would talk about classmates behind their backs. That made me even more nervous around her.

It is a common feeling. I don't feel my school prepared me that much for hands-on skills either. In my opinion, nursing school only prepares students to pass NCLEX. Once I became an LPN, I was in for a rude awakening. The struggle was real!