gingersnapsRN

I definately understand your frustruation N1colina:hug:, I was in a similar predicament the other night.

sarlpn, I am a new RN and I also work with the Geriatric population and it has brought up some deep down hurt over the loss of my grandmother, expecially when I care for a resident that has the same illness she suffered from and wonder if there was a nurse who cared for her the way I care for my residents. It has been 2 years and the pain over her passing has not gone away, it just comes and goes with spurts, not just aniversaries but in little moments at work when I reassure a confused resident that she is okay and safe and she says "thank you for caring for me." It sounds like you are a very caring, devoted nurse and daugther. You have alot to offer to the Geriatric community. Take care of and be patient with yourself. Be patient with your grief, it shows you are human that you still hurt. Thank you for sharing sarlpn, it helps me knowing I am not alone either in my grieving.:redbeathe

I just graduated nursing school this summer. Nursing students can be wound a little tight over the pressure to make the grades and be the best. My best advice is to give school all you got, then walk away and have a life, or else the stress will become overwhelming. When your life isn't balanced you can't perform at your best. Remember that when you consider missing a loved ones birthday for an extra cram session. Be careful that a job also doesn't get in the way of study time, remember when you are a nurse, it will pay off! As for cliques, It felt that way also in my program, (very similar to highschool). I tried to be open and friendly with everyone and it made a difference. Branch out, it makes the experience much better, especially if your nursing friends are also wound a bit tight (anxiety is contagious amongst nursing students). As for equipment, I didn't have money to get nice stuff while in school, but if you want to invest in a nice pair of shoes, I suggest going to a store to get the right fit because getting the right fit for scrubs or shoes online can be tricky. Utilize the resources in your program, be good to your professors and communicate with them. If you struggle with something, they will know how to help you and they will be writing your letters of recommendation. Clinicals are important, prepare carefully and give it your all, never blow off clinicals! As a nursing student you are at the bottom of the food chain in any clinical setting, be tolerant and open to learning because you will see and hear things that will overwhelm you. I wish you the very best! You will learn tons and it will be so worth it in the end!

Thank you to whomever started this thread!:) I am a new grad in my first month of my first job! I knew it would be difficult, but I find it more challenging from not having an outlet to talk about all I am been bombarded with physically and emotionally as I begin this new career. Thanks to all those that have posted already, I find strength and comfort knowing I am not alone. I have begun my career in a SNF. The charge is good about giving me help (if she is in a good mood). I have my good days and bad ones. Hopefully slowly but surely things will start to come together. Physically, I am worn out. With charting being new an 8 hr shift turns into a 10 by the time I am done. I sleep alot, and when I sleep, I wake up tense cause I dream that I am signing MARs or walking down the hall towards a Rsdt's room and can't remember why. I know wierd! I used to have dreams like that in nursing school when I was stressed. I am trying to work out, but I am so tired it is difficult at times. Emotionally, it is hard at times to keep it together. I have lost it and bawled my eyes out a couple times (in private) from comments of a nurse that I pass on report to:crying2:. She has 20+ years experience and has limited patience for the new grads (the other new grad works the hall adjacent to me). Her comments hurt because they are tainted with the undertones of criticizing my competence. I asked her once after a difficult day if it was this hard when she started out, she looked me square in the eye and said "no, nursing came natural for me, you seem to struggle much more than I did starting out." What a comment to cut down the little confidence you have. I feel like other nurses whom have made comments, I doubt myself alot and that can show through to others easily. I try faking it but it is hard when you are unsure if you are making the best judgement call. I think I am going to keep a journal not only to vent but to look back to see what it is I am doing that is good or bad.

I promised myself I would get Lasix eye surgery, just for me . When nursing school got tough, I would fantasize about having enough money to treat myself to that.