New NICU nurse

[NewVARN]

Hi everyone, I just started the NICU about 3 months ago and love it. The only problem is that I am constantly worried that I am forgetting to do something or I am going to mess up some how. My preceptors have assured me I am doing a great job for being a new grad but I just wondered if that feeling ever goes away. I am constantly worried about it, even on my days off, is that pretty common? Everyone else seems so at ease. Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks!!!

[NIGHTWOLF87]

hello and :hrns&wlcm:to the wonderful world of babies!

first of all, don't worry about forgetting things or messing up. with time comes experience, and eventually you will feel at ease with what you do. it just shows that you are a caring person. you are going to be a wonderful nurse! on our unit, there are very experienced nurses who sometimes forget the simplest things from time to time. just enjoy your orientation and try not to feel overwhelmed. we have all been there, and have gotten past it. so will you. good luck!

[CaliNicuRN]

I am nearly 3 years in as a NICU nurse and still worry about missing something or forgetting something. My biggest concern is that I will miss signs that a baby's condition is worsening. This is an area of nursing where you will always have new things to learn (aren't all areas like that though?).

I think the biggest thing I noticed as I have gained experience, although I still think of myself as a new nurse, is that I no longer feel knots in my stomach on the way to work. That seemed to have gone away somewhere around a year or so in.

You will get through it!