Reality Shock

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I am a current ADN student who will be graduating in Decemeber. I haven't started working yet but I hear stories from others about the reality shock that they've experienced the first year on the floor. Does anyone have any advice on how to avoid this and what I can expect during that first year? Thanks.

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Specializes in Hospice.

We all have went through the "reality check", it is part of nursing. It will take about a year before you are actually comfortable working as a nurse. Just remember every nurse before you felt the same way you are.

Some advise...become a sponge and soak up everything you can, ask questions (we all have and still do at times), when you make a mistake (you will) own up to it and learn from it, don't take things too seriously (I still laugh at myself sometimes).

Good luck and congratulations on becoming a nurse, one of my most popular sayings...."Fake it 'til you make it"

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

We have an entire forum dedicated to this.......

[h=2]First Year After Nursing Licensure[/h]

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

"Reality shock" is not something that can be avoided -- it's a catch-all term for the process of transition from student to nurse. Real-life day-in, day-out nursing IS different than student clinical experience and it often is a little ... shocking.

Lots of support here at AN, and hopefully in your workplace as well. Good luck to you. :)

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