Have you read Patricia Benner's book, From Novice to Expert? It's a classic, like 25 years old and used to be required reading for many programs. Perhaps it has fallen from favor now but as a new RN I found it invaluable for many of the reasons you are struggling with now. Benner acknowledges a basic fact that is not directly addressed in nursing school; all new RN's face a steep learning curve. They each start fresh in a role with huge responsibilities and greatly individualized tasks they may or may not have seen or done before. Their RN cohorts may not be willing to mentor them. Benner believes that it takes about 5 years to move from a new novice nurse to expert. If you change specialties-you may find yourself back at novice again although you may move through the stages faster. Rather than have this make you feel bad about your skills, this should give you hope; all nurses go through these feelings. If they don't, they probably aren't paying enough attention to their skills! I remember feeling some pride as I started gaining confidence-you will too. And of course, many people will move through the stages faster/slower depending on their skill sets/spplication process. I would recommend you read this, its not a very thick book, easily available on Amazon or from a student somewhere. I borrowed my copy out otherwise I'd have offered you mine.....If all else fails, you might want to change out of med-surg ...good luck!
