ndcon2

Hello! I have graduated and passed the boards within the last 3 months and I am about to start my first job on a Med/Surg floor. I was wondering if anyone could relate to my situation/fears. I have not had any Medical Surgical experience since spring of 2004 as my husband and I had an unexpected baby (the love of my life!) in the middle of my schooling....I returned part-time to finish..3 years later. I am very excited to get out there and learn but at the same time I am very nervous as I feel like I do not know anything! My Med/Surg clinical back in 2004 was great...I had a wonderful instructor, but I was not able to see too much variety or practice many skills. My orientation is 8 weeks at the end of which I will be expected to have 6-7 patients. I want so much to conquer!!! I am excited to succeed! Just so nervous.... I am concerned with my lack of experience with virtually every skill. Did any of you enter into Med/Surg with a similar situation/feeling? Or have you known of anyone who did? How did they do? Thank you sooo much for input, I will cherish it!

Hello to everyone! I graduated in Dec. and passed the boards in Feb. I am experiencing some anxiety over starting work. I will tell my story and try to make it as brief as possible. I was supposed to graduate in May of 06, but an unexpected joy came to my husband and I in the form of a son in the middle of my schooling. Finances allowed for me to return to school part-time which is why I finished late. My true joy is L&D/PP and have no doubt this is my calling. I have been unable to find a position in this field as experience is either required or the orientations begin in July. I did alot of thinking and thought I would try Med/Surg for a year to gain experience despite my anxiety. I have been offered a position after shadowing a wonderful nurse in this field. My fear is that I have not had any med/surg experience since my clinicals in spring of 04. The orientation is 9 weeks, at the end of which I am expected to carry 6 patients on average. I have a ton of anxiety concening my ability to perform well in med/surg. Many of the skills employed here I was never even exposed to 4 years ago. I am truly excited about beginning my career as an RN and hope I will reach my dream of caring for women ante, intra, and postpartum. I am confident of my skills here....med/surg freaks me out! I do not want to harm anyone due to a very lack of experience. I would appreciate any advice. Thanks so much.