Not sure if I'm cut out for nursing!!

[Dizneynurse]

I really need some help. I've worked in Long term Care for over 10 years in the role of a staffing coordinator. I just graduated as an LPN and I'm really not sure if I'm cut out for this. I have a contract at my job (they gave me a free ride to school) so leaving this facility or LTC is not really an option for me. I come home everyday feeling inadequate and stupid. I've always been top of my game in everything I've undertaken, but as a nurse I just don't cut it. I can't get everything done. If I do, it's only on the "perfect" day (no falls, no incidents, no pharmacy in my cart, housekeeping isn't stripping the floors, the wandering patients aren't in my cart, etc.) I'm also running into the "eat your young" issue. Today, I agreed to work a double b/c someone called off. I told the supervisor that this was under the condition that I'd stay on the same hall. I set myself up for 3-11 and then at 3pm the nurse came in and said this is my hall, move. I called on-call but it was too late...I just can't even put into words how overwhelmed and inadequate I feel in my new role. Anybody been there?? Seasoned nurses words of wisdom?

[dani_girl]

Not a seasoned nurse, but I feel for you!!!

Also, my absolute favorite instructor talked to my class and told us her "nobody told me this" lecture.. she explained that you will feel like you know nothing, are horrid, have no time for a life, all you will do is sleep, and will question whether or not you want to be a nurse.. it happens.. do not feel like you are alone in this, or this is a sign.. it isn't.. it means you understand the importance of the job you do and want to do it to the best of your ability.

She also went on to say that most new grads quit their first job around 5-7 months.. and it is because of this feeling..

Sorry no helpful words of wisdom from me.. but you are not alone.. hope things get better.. :icon_hug: