New private duty LPN feeling incompetent

[Girlbear]

I graduated a month ago and passed my NCLEX two weeks ago. I took a job as a home health nurse, and I feel like I completely messed up by choosing nursing and am doubting myself every step. I dread going to work, and I only have one patient so far, but this patient requires care that I have zero clinical experience with, and I made the company I am working for aware of that. The orientation period is only 24 hours, and I have one more shift left before I am on my own. I just feel like a giant disappointment and I’m so ashamed of how much I don’t know ? I was a great student in class and clinicals, but now I feel worthless.

[Elektra6, ASN, BSN, RN]

Ok. Private duty can be very isolating. I would not recommend this for a new grad, especially if you were not a HHA or CNA. Working LTC will give you access to charge nurses and peers. You can ask questions. The doctors come in and interact with the patients. You can learn so much. Maybe rethink this job? My agency won’t hire anyone without a year’s experience. Our training is more extensive also. ?

[ShadowNurse]

Private duty is crazy stressful as a new grad; it's what I did right out of the gate. Speak to your supervisor and let them know that you really do not feel comfortable giving such care unsupervised just yet. You are not worthless at all. It takes time and oversight to make the transition from student to professional. If your employer refuses to give you more appropriate training, it's time for a new job.

[KCNURSEGUY]

Don't feel this way you had little to no orientation period. I worked in a rehab as a new grad and they gave me 6 weeks of orientation. I stayed there for a couple years now I work hospice. I love it but don't think my skill set or confidence was ready to be out in the field on my own as a new grad. Ask for more orientation if they won't give it to you then it is honestly not the place for you. Your employer should want to ensure you are trained and comfortable in the field and be investing in you for the long term. When I left skilled/rehab nursing and went to hospice I spent close to 6 weeks in training and I had 3 years of experience. Go gain some experience as a charge nurse in a rehab setting put your dues in then go back to home health it will be worth it. DONT GIVE UP!