Switching from outpatient to inpatient and feeling overwhelmed

[Pdxstudent]

I have been a nurse for 3 years but I worked in an outpatient hematology oncology setting straight out of nursing school and remained there for the past 3 years. I felt confident and loved doing what I was doing but recently moved out of state and had to find a new job. I landed a job in medical-oncology which is basically med-surg. I have one week left of orientation and I feel so completely overwhelmed!! I know it will take time but most of the time I feel like a fish out of water and have no idea what I’m doing. I’m wanting to stick it out for at least a year so I can gain the experience but I hate feeling so incompetent and feel like I lack basic inpatient nursing skills. I would love any advice or suggestions?! 

[SmilingBluEyes]

I am curious and sorry if I missed it but how long have you been in this position?

I have held several different jobs in nursing, both inpatient and outpatient, and I tell you after nearly 25 years at it, I still feel overwhelmed in a new environment/position.

Just wondering how long have you been doing this and maybe I can give you better advice.

Hang in there; you are not alone.

[NightNerd, MSN, RN]

My best advice is to give yourself time! I always feel a little out of my element when changing jobs, especially when I took my first hospital job. It's a unique environment that takes some adjustment, and unfortunately it doesn't happen overnight. Give yourself at least six months to a year to get comfortable and regain some confidence.

What is your team like? Do you have generally nice and supportive coworkers? It's helpful to identify those friendly faces who you can turn to when you're totally lost and need a little guidance. You are going to learn to rely on yourself and your own judgment too, but it's a team sport, no matter how much experience you get. Just remember that you aren't alone out there.

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

I'd bet that people still on orientation who think that they're fully competent and that things are going perfectly are deluding themselves. Give it time.

[Emergent, RN]

You can do it, you will eventually hit your stride!?

[Animaniacs, BSN, RN]

Similar Situation. Left inpatient hospital as an RN and went to the county Jail. And I feel overwhelmed. 
 

the good thing about the hospital is that even once you’re off orientation, you are not alone, there’s people that can you ask questions other nurses, charge nurse that you can refer to. There’s more support.  The jail on the other hand, sometimes you’re the only RN there and there’s no support.