New RN feeling unconfident

[sb716039]

Hello,

So I am a brand new RN that started working in July 2013 on a med/surg cardiac stroke floor. I am having a very hard time becoming confident in myself. There are many days that I leave work feeling like I know nothing or "why didn't to think of that" etc. I am just looking for some advice on how to improve my knowledge base and become more confident in myself. I have been trying to educate myself and make sure I look up things that I do not know. I need to get out of this rut of coming home from work always in a bad mood. Any Advice?

Thanks!

[CWONgal]

Well it sounds like you are on a good start. You recognize you have more to learn and you are willing to look it up. Remember, you can decide to be in a rut or shake it off. No sense in beating yourself up. Let me tell you a secret. Even experienced nurses don't know everything and we still need to learn things up. The confidence will come in time. Hang in there!

[sb716039]

Thanks for the advice! I could use as much as I can get!! I also feel like I am forgetting so much information from nursing school that is important for me to remember! Is there anyway you kept your education up to date? Other then the education your hospital makes you participant in?

[krazieklutz03]

I currently do home health but asked medical questions all the time and so I know how it feels to be put on the spot and expected to have this articulate and scientific answer. So if I know the information I share it with my patients and families. But if I don't you can be honest and just reply I am a little unsure on that one and go research it and get back to them. We are just newbies; we are not suppose to know everything and do everything perfect. I hear it just takes time to gain confidence so just keep giving 110% and you will eventually gain the confidence you claim to lack.