BabyNurse2008

Wow! I could have written this thread, word for word. I am hoping that what everyone says is true--that after our first year, things will be better. I think what we need to do is to take good care of ourselves when we are off: eat well, exercise, sleep. Also, we need to give ourselves a break, too. We are new, so it is natural to forget things. I know you were probably like me in nursing school--a hard worker and a perfectionist. Well, I have found in the real world that even when working hard, I just cannot get everything done in a day at work. Let's make a pact to hang in there before we say that we are not meant to be nurses! Good luck!

I passed the NCLEX without a review course.....I used all the review books I had bought and borrowed from others and just did as many questions as I could. Good luck!

I am almost finished with my orientation and am taking a full load of patients now on my own. I am finding myself so nervous about going in to work lately. I cannot seem to stay caught up, I forget things all the time, and just do not feel comfortable at all. I know everyone says this will get better, but if I feel this way when I still have my preceptor with me, how will I feel when I am on my own?? I just hope I can sleep for a few hours before my shift tonight.....

I am a new grad, still on orientation. I worked days for the first 6 weeks and I switched to working nights (not by choice) for two weeks now. Is it common for family and friends not to have a clue about the stress we new nurses are under? Also, anyone else have a problem getting people to understand what working nights is like? I had a day off today and my husband woke me up at 7:30 AM!! I turn my phone off during the day when I am trying to sleep, and I am glad I do---people call me and leave messages, "Why are you sleeping so late?" Help!