Really questioning things...need to vent....

[Kelseyj79]

Im really starting to wonder if nursing is for me and Im just at a lost on what to do. I have wanted to be a nurse for as long as I can remember so it breaks my heart to think that I might not be cut out for it.

I have worked in a Childrens Hospital for 3 years, graduated from a LPN program in December and got extremly lucky and was hired in the ED. Being a ED nurse has always been my goal, so I was THRILLED when the position was offered to me. I have been in this position for 9 months now...and Im so unhappy. Im STILL so nervous when it comes time to do procedures, caths, IV's and even some meds. The problem is I cant figure out if its nursing itself, if its pediatrics or the ED. LPN's dont really get hospital positions in my area so my only other option is LTC. Im currently working on getting my RN through excelsior and am having such a hard time forcing myself to study. Just wanting to vent to people who might have a more understanding.....Has anyone out there had similar feelings?

[athena55, BSN, RN]

Hello Kelseyj79

Ya know, I have been a nurse for about one hundred years (....well, not that long, more along the lines of 30+ years). I have worked most of those years in intensive care and 2 years on a step-down telemetry unit. And I still get nervous and all diaphoretic when I have to start an IV.

You are working full-time, attending school...Seems like you have your share of stressors in place. ON top of all that you are starting to doubt yourself and your place. I think many of us, at one time or the other, questioned what we were doing: our dreams, our goals, our choices in life.

Would you feel better if you left the ED and worked someplace else? You say that the only other choice you would have is LTC. Would you feel less stressed if you did make such a change?

Is there someone that you trust that you can talk to about how you feel?

athena

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I agree; you may have a bit on the plate and are trying to balance everything. But, before you really start doubting yourself, how are you working with your collagues? If they don't have many complaints, then, maybe it is more of your own self confidence. If they are giving you a hard way to go, bullying, intimidating you, etc...then, I can see where this would happen, particularly in a busy ER.

I am also leery about hanging IV bags. I work in a clinic, but do med surg per diem. Hadn't been there for over a month now since I have been getting hours in easier places, but when I do go up there, I am nervous about that as well, until I get into the groove of it.

Again, if your co-workers are cooperative, that can be half the battle. Good luck!

[PsychNurseWannaBe, BSN, RN]

It took me about a good 3 months to get my bearings... but that was just for me to feel comfortable walking in the door. :) It takes time. But coworkers make all the difference. I have really great ones who are willing to help out. Just remember to return the favor!

I was told that nurses start to feel comfortable after a year or so. If something is making you nervous because of inexperience, talk with your nurse educator and see if they can help you out.