NEW NURSE needs encouragement!

jgwe4e · Mar 4, 2006

I'm a new grad peds nurse, working in peds since passing NCLEX in June. It DOES feel overwhelming at first. That's normal, and it gets better. Lots of nurses told me that it takes at least a year to be really comfortable with what you're doing. Confidence in the real world will come bit by bit.

Jesus1979 · Mar 5, 2006

Thank you!! It feels great that I'm not alone in feeling the way I do. I do agree that its getting better by the day... getting use to the routine, paperwork, etc. It feels great learning and doing so much... I love it!

Nursepaeds · Mar 9, 2006

hi there!

i am from england, uk, and am just about to qualify as a paediatric nurse on a rotation post between a general paeds ward and nicu. i am really nervous about it, but also really excited. i think that the majority of your learning will come from doing the job - its never quite the same as a student nurse because you don't have the responsibility or accountability. don't worry - it will be fine, in a few years time we'll be wondering why we were so nervous. good luck! :)

perfectbluebuildings, BSN, RN · Mar 14, 2006

Hey! I am also a relatively new peds nurse... started in June. It is way different than school and what I was expecting. A lot to get used to. But a lot of rewards, too, after the tough things.

Keep in touch!!!

jgwe4e · Mar 15, 2006

Hi all you new peds/paeds nurses,

Jesus1979, how's your stress level? Are you feeling a little more settled with your work?

Rayrae, did you have a precepted period when you started in June, or did you work on your own right away?

Nursepaeds, when will you qualify? I've heard that in the UK nurses have to choose paeds as a specialty while still in nursing school. Is that accurate? I'd like to hear about your nursing program.

jillyk*rn · Apr 6, 2006

everyone feels overwhelmed when they start.

stay calm. ask for help. get assistance. no one expects you to know everything.

everything will be fine. it's the nurses who start and "know everything" are the ones to worry about. :lol2: :lol2: :lol2:

carealot314 · Apr 19, 2006

You are definitely not alone! I graduated from nursing school in May 2005 and got my license July 2005. I work on a pediatric & adult med/surg unit. I was definitely overwhelmed for the first several months I worked. My biggest piece of advice is to ask LOTS of questions - everyone expects you to. Don't be embarrassed because you feel like you "should" know something...ask anyway. I've been very blessed that I have wonderful coworkers who have no problems with my asking a million questions every shift.

One thing that helped for me, which you might consider, is that I work night shift. When I worked days (on orientation), I was so overwhelmed. I picked up an extra shift on PMs, and again was overwhelmed (to the point of tears). Nights is a little nicer (usually) - there are less meds to give, less busy-ness on the unit (less doctors, less tests/procedures, less phone calls etc). I'm still learning a ton and actually have time to look things up. Granted, you don't have as many opportunities to do certain skills - dressing changes etc. But you could always consider working 12-hr nights (7p-7a) - that way, you have 4 hours on the PM shift where you will have more opportunity to do different skills, but you have 8 hours on night to catch up. Don't be intimidated by the night shift - I'm definitely not a night person and thought I'd hate nights - but I found that I actually love the shift.

Hang in there! It'll get better! :)