CVON

Before I started working as a rn I would have said the same thing - nursing is a passion, a calling. However, the exhausting, thankless, fraustrating, draining nature of the job has made into just a paycheck. I personally don't mind dealing with practical aspects of nursing, but the human elements and the physical toll gets me every time.

LTCnurse11, I am glad you brought up this topic. I'm a new grad RN and I just completed my first full day with my preceptor, with my anxiety level going through the roof. While she did not say I was incompetent for not knowing exactly what to do or look out for with a patient, she did mention getting away from being task oriented and being more patient focused and thinking critically. I understand her point since we are supposed to be our patient's advocates, but I think we expect too much if we think that finishing nursing school will somehow imbibe you with the magical ability to think critically when it comes to patient care. I have read some of the comments on this forum which seem to imply that very thing. It only makes for increased anxiety and stress in us new nurses and those who are still learning this skill. It's like expecting someone with one child to have the same instincts and abilities as someone with a dozen children. Just saying.

Thank you, AmyRN303, for your encouragement.

Mossback, You are a wonderful example of what can be achieved with the determination and strength of will that nurses are known for. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Baubo516, i just wanted to thank you personally for your encouragement, and I wish you the same as you go through this challenging journey.

Baubo516, i just wanted to thank you personally for your encouragement, and I wish you the same as you go through this challenging journey.

Thank you for your support. I'm glad there is a forum where we as nurses can get the support of others like us.

Hello everyone, I'm new here and I will be starting my new job in a few days at a magnet hospital and I am scared out of my mind. I am older - in my 40's - and this will be my 2nd career. Nursing school was hard but you know what was expected of you. I'm just wondering if anyone started nursing at my age and how was their experience starting off. Thanks