New nurse, any advice?

[gwright]

I recently completed my Endorsed enrolled nursing course (went for 12 months) I'm 20, and recently landed a job in a very busy acute surgical ward orthopaedics. I knew i wanted to be a nurse because I wanted to help people and Im also very interested in the science and medical side of nursing. Anyway... I feel like i just suck! Working on a very busy ward i feel like my time management is crap, I keep forgetting things, and making stupid mistakes, and i feel so stupid because Im asking all these questions and Im constantly comparing myself to other nurses that are so great at their job. Some days I come home in tears because of the amount of pressure I feel Im under. Im constantly anxious about going to work, and i can t even enjoy my days off because I m always worried about what I ve done wrong or what I will do wrong. Ive only been there for about a month and I feel like 12 months of study did not prepare me for this at all. When i did my work placement i absolutely LOVED aged care and have also thought about community nursing but at the same time i dont want to quick my current job because i do feel that at least 12 months experience will increase my chances of being successful in other jobs in the future. Does anyone have any advice to give to new nurses? Should I stick it out or find another area? Thanks everyone for taking the time to read this!!

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

hang in there! It get easier. As you get more confidence, you will feel less uneasy. We've all been there!

[NightNerd, MSN, RN]

Stick it out! Starting any new job, especially this kind, is so anxiety provoking, but it will get much easier. In the meantime, just remember that your days off are sacred and nothing, not even your own brain, will keep you from using them to the fullest! What's been working for me is keeping a list of all the things I love to do, like exercising or playing an instrument or spending time with family and friends, and running through it on my days off. This leaves me little time to stress about work because I'm otherwise occupied, and even if my nerves are up at the beginning of my shift, I at least feel energized because I had quality time off.

[PedsRN620]

Don't ever be afraid to say you don't know or you need help. Experienced nurses are more receptive to someone who genuinely wants to learn and seeks their help. And don't exclude yourself at first just because you don't know everyone yet. They will all be comfortable with one another and it may seem awkward at first but just jump right in and be part of the team. After all these will potentially be your coworkers for a long time. Work is much easier and enjoyable when you have good friendships with your team!