New Nurse..GPN. Scared out of my mind.

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Well, I'm not really scared out of mind. However, I just can't sleep. I recently just got a job at a local hospital on their Long-Term Care Floor as a Graduate Practical Nurse. I was on this floor for 4 weeks in the summer of '05 for clinical Tuesday-Friday. I am kind of relieved because I know some of the residents and I know the area. The thing is... is that I'm only 18 years old and I just graduated from high school. The LPN program I took was 2 high school years.. my junior and senior. My teacher.. never taught more than 10 days for them two years and every clinical skill we did was basically aide work ... besides a treatment now and then and med passing. I now go to a local community college.. to get my RN. I don't have a heavy class load because I still have a lot of prerequisites and I don't take NURSING classes yet. However... I start on Wednesday and I work 2-10 and Thursday the same thing.. 2-10, after going to school all day.

I just feel that I am going to have NO IDEA what to do. Especially since my former job had no responsibilities besides making sure the hamburgers that were going out the drive thru window were without pickles like the customer wanted. I know that I will be with another nurse.. being oriented, but I am still just so nervous I can't sleep.

Should I really be so nervous? And also, if I fail my boards do I lose my GPN?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Wow - never heard of this type of program. When are you taking the NCLEX? The hospital must have seen something to have hired you. Make sure you get a solid preceptor who knows that are NEW to nursing and that you will need help. Ask lots of questions - don't be afraid. Don't do anything unless you know how or have someone to assist/show you how its done.

Take care.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

TraumaRUS, my ex graduated from high school as a practical GN.

To the original poster, EVERYONE regardless of age feels the same way. I was in my 30's when I graduated and remember the sleepless nights and the fears very well. before I started my first job. I remember the feelings of "I don't know anything"! That is quite normal. Sometimes our clinical experience is a bit limited and it feels like we didn't get to do enough. You'll learn all you need on the job.

TraumaRUS gives very good advice. Hang in there and good luck!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Wow Tweety - that seems like a very busy program! Thanks for the info.

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Specializes in post-op.

AliciaMarie-

Just as the pthers have said it is normal to feel that way. I just graduated from an ADN RN program this last May. I felt the same way as you. I am 29, but had never worked in health care before this. Just as the others have said ask lots of questions and don't do anything if you are not sure. Be honest and say that you do not know, ask someone to walk you through it or show you how the 1st time. you will learn as you go. I commend you on being 18 and knowing what it is that you want to do with your life! I sure wish I knew when I was 18! Good luck!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Cardiothoracics, VADs.

The main thing I can tell a new nurse is TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS! If you ever have the thought cross your mind before you do something "this doesn't seem right.." - don't do it. You never regret asking, but you may regret erring.

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Specializes in ER and Hospice.

Interesting program you're in. And if you have fast food experience, you should be fine at nursing. Think of the pickles as pain medication. But really, even experienced nurses have anxiety attacks when we switch to a new job, or new specialty. Want to see someone really scared? Check out a medical student. I always feel like crying when I see them toddling down the hallway in their short little white coats and backpacks.....they are clueless. But somehow, we get them through it, and 5 years later, they treat us like dopes.

Have some confidence . We all had to learn. Just remember this: "LOOK AT YOUR PATIENT"...not the monitor, not the labs. The patient.

...Holding your hand from the far north

"Outside of a dog, a book is a mans' best friend. Inside of a dog is too dark to read." Groucho Marx

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