New Nurse Feeling Overwhelmed, Terrified, and More

GBC_Student, BSN, RN · Sep 26, 2019

My first six months on the job I was convinced I wouldn't make it and that people would realize I was a fraud. Five years later I still do sometimes. I think it's natural to feel that doubt and anxiety. Senior nurses are a great resource that you can tap into. They may make snarky comments or roll their eyes but they will usually answer your questions or help you out. You may need to put up with a bit of an attitude from them but they can help. Have you considered speaking with your manager about getting additional orientation shifts? Or getting in contact with the nurse educator for support? As a new nurse you're going to make mistakes, you're not going to know everything. And in the end this job may not be for you. Try to learn as much as you can, ask questions even if they make you feel uncomfortable and show up with an open mind and a good attitude. It might sound like fluff but people can tell when their coworkers are trying and aren't quite there yet.

In the end of you decide to change careers it might feel disappointing but nursing isn't for everyone. There's also non bedside jobs as an option.

Fiona59 · Sep 26, 2019

Here's my take on this.

We only started using bed pan liners in the last five years at my facility. Each facility seems to do it differently, I've seen bedpans lined with the disposable soaker pads, kits that have a plastic bag and a liner, improvisations on both of these.

Flushing locks? Different supply sources sell different products. For some reason, our new supplier sends IV start kits (which I didn't know existed until I changed units) in pouches that are about 30cm long, not the baggie sized set up.

Use your CNE, that's what they get paid for. They are your resources for pump use, finding out how often lines are changed, etc.

Having said that, a six day orientation for one unit could be considered generous. An orientation is to learn how the unit works, the paperwork flow, and what routines are involved, ie saline lock flushes.

You'll develop a bit more confidence every shift.

xmaaay, BSN · Sep 28, 2019

Don't be afraid to ask for more orientation!!!
I have seen a lot of nurses not comfortable in a job, they were usually always granted more orientation when asked.

GingerKid1984 · Sep 28, 2019

As others have said, ask for more orientation. 6 is quite a few shifts, but your unit is better off helping you feel confident. You might also have access to a mentor. Our union requires employers to provide one if requested by a new nurse.

Most of us felt incapable when we started, and frankly probably were a bit. Ask questions if you aren’t sure. Using a bedpan without a liner is hardly a big deal - I’ve seen students do the same and then throw the entire thing out when the patient had a BM.

hypnotizer90, BSN, RN · Oct 10, 2019

We do have our innocent moments and those experience are memorable. I started working in a Retirement home for 2.5 years before getting a position at a acute medical/surgical at hospital. I felt like it is a big step since I did not practice the skills for quite some time such as priming an IV line, reconstituting a medication, doing a wound care, initiating an IV, inserting Foley catheter & what not. The good thing is my coworkers encouraged me to ask question. The motto is better to ask question than making a mistake. I am the type that will ask question no matter what in order to learn. You either answer/ help me or I will ask another nurse kind of thinking.

I guess I understand the feeling of being a new graduate. The seasoned nurses should not be eating their youngs because those youngs are the ones who will end up taking care of them in the future.

Kenobi · Oct 10, 2019

You are absolutely not alone!

My first 6 months of independent practice were hell. When I applied to the job, my manager told me "this is the hardest unit to start your nursing career on." I understood that, but I really wanted to push myself. The patients are all highly acute, diverse, and the patient to nurse ratio is high. I received 8 orientations shifts in total.

Before every shift, I would get so nervous that I would be having physical symptoms like SOB, palpitations, and bowel issues. Two weeks after I started my independent practice, I lost my patient to an unexpected code blue. I kept questioning my abilities... I wondered if there were things I could have done to save this patient. I am glad I made an appointment to speak to the CNE who helped me work through the issues. Now, I still occasionally get anxious going into work, but that anxiety is quelled by the knowledge that I have wonderful and supportive co-workers. Don't be afraid to ask questions and use any resources available to you! If everyone on the unit is mean, remember it's not your fault... don't hesitate to get out of toxic environments and go to another unit.