FLBritchickBSN

I know there have budget cuts, but silverware- really?

Don't let this one experience ruin your outlook forever. Nursing is a tough game- not every job we take is the right fit. It sounds like you didn't get what you needed, and sometimes starting off in a slower paced environment until you have honed your skills a little more will make you more confident, able to manage your time better, and juggle all the demands made of you. Lots of us out there were thrown into the lions den, and some of us survived less scathed than others. Try and find a position that proactively works with new grads, or join a residency program. The day I graduated I was thrown on a floor as charge that I had never worked on before. Not the best start, but there you go.

It is terrible to have a med reaction. I was NKDA until I started Lamictal. Within a week I developed Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (1 in 6 million). I thought I was going to die- horrible rash, visual disturbance, and burns to ALL mucosal tissue. I made the mistake of trying to eat a little banana frozen yoghurt- big mistake as any little bit of potassium aggravated the burns horrendously. I lost 20lbs in 2 weeks. Luckily I didn't need hospitalization but I was at the ER 3 times in a week for IV fluids. The rash eventually faded after a year, and now I have to avoid aspirin, sulfa drugs and any multi use anti-convulsants.

I think there are pros and cons to both. I was an RN (diploma) for 30 years before I obtained my BSN after many years of procrastinating believing experience was all that mattered. Now I wish I had gotten over the demons that held me back much earlier. However I do have concerns with NP's who don't have much clinical experience. I can give a personal example of working with a very enthusiastic NP who graduated at 24 with limited clinical experience, and not much critical thinking knowledge. Experience is key.