allnb324

Hello, I did actually start out as a new grad in a Neuro ICU unit. I have been there for a little over three months now. I am going to be honest with you, it's VERY difficult. You come out of school knowing the basics, enough to keep you safe. But trust me...........we know nothing essentially. I have never felt so totally ignorant as I did the day that I stepped out onto the unit for the first time. There is so much to learn, so many meds to manage, and then the patient acuity to consider as well. I love working my job, but it's very stressful at this point because I personally feel so out of my element or comfort zone. I have been told numerous times that I needed to be patient because it takes new nurses at least a year to a year and a half to feel comfortable in ICU. If you have already started , let me know how it's going. I'd love to hear from you.

Oh honey, I feel your pain. I am too, a recent graduate who has gone into Neuro ICU. I felt very confident when I first started but as times goes on, I am losing all self confidence that I ever had. ICU is a very tough and demanding place. You have to be able to think quickly on your feet........and thats fine when you know EXACTLY what you are doing and know your meds and protocols. But for us new grads who are learning the ropes, its a nightmare. I have been told..........just stay calm and keep doing what you are doing. It is going to take you a year to a year and a half to feel confident. I just don't see it. Maybe they know something that I dont know. I am taking it on my own to go out and buy different kinds of drug books with drip factors and dosage calculations and such in it to help prepare me for work. Every piece of infomation that I get from CCN class or another nurse will go into my book for quick reference. If I don't get the help that I need from my preceptor , then by God I will get it on my own!! And no sweetie, you are not the only one taking time to adjust. Everyone that I talk to is struggling. Just to know we are not alone is a blessing in itself.

In response to your post, I say first of all.........finish nursing school and take your NCLEX. Once you have your RN then take time off to figure out what it is that you really want to do. Many years ago I was discouraged from going into nursing and because of this, I chose another career that was also in the health care field. I practiced for almost 18 years before I finally gave it up. I was miserable. You need to find something you are passionate about and truly enjoy, then it won't seem like work at all. One good thing about nursing, you are not limited by what you can do with your degree. There are so many opportunities available. I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck!

Boy, that really is a mess. I am with PepperAnne. Ask your instructor to demonstrate it for you.

I am in school in Texas. I start back this coming week. I am nervous, yet excited because this is the FINAL semester!!! I had my best friends over this weekend to celebrate last weekend of freedom. :-) Good luck this semester. All will be fine. Med Surg is not that bad. Just be sure that you really get the material because it will make all the difference in how well you do in future semesters. Everything goes back to Med Surg. Hope you enjoy the rest of your break. I will talk to you soon. Best of luck!!

The best way to keep going in nursing school is to take it one baby step at a time and one bite at a time. I am starting my 4th semester next week and I am extremely nervous myself. I always dread the first couple of weeks because of the chaos and confusion. I wish you luck!