terrified of a nursing job

akanini, MSN, RN · Aug 9, 2008

I graduate from PN school August 15th also. I can't wait to get out of there. I just wanted to say congratulations.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 9, 2008

Here's a hug. (((((HUG))))) :icon_hug: Drop the fear.

I cannot recall being terrified, or wanting more school time. I personally hated the politics of school, and had been unemployed for 18 months while attending school, so I was actually itching to jump into a nursing job and start earning some money.

But we're here for support and a "virtual" helping hand whenever you need it!

AngelaLPN08 · Aug 9, 2008

I'm starting a new job in a week or two. It is the VA hospital, however its the long term care so similar to LTC facility but a bit different. I did my preceptor at the VA so I know what will be expected of me....but even with that said I am scared, and this was the job I wanted more than anything!

I def. miss school. I had made many friends, and I feel kind of bored waiting to start working, I feel like I should be studying or something. Its another transition we have to get shoved into.

With the job, I would just jump into it and get the experience. If you find in a few months that it is not working for your family then see what options are out there. However, its a way to add to your list of experiences!

Best of luck!

Angela :)

dbledutchs · Aug 9, 2008

thanks everyone for the quick replies. I do think the transition is what is getting me. I made many friends and now I feel like I have to start again, only the woman at the office I'm going to are much older, so now I feel like I won't have anything in common with them.

I'm also afraid I'll just loose contact with all the friends I made because everyone will be busy working. I'm feeling the ending more than I'm feeling the beginning.

I hate starting again so many times.

I guess if I hate it, I can always do something else...I just want to feel excited, but I'm just not.

Marie

pagandeva2000, LPN · Aug 9, 2008

Hello, just wanted to ask a question.
I'm going to be graduating from my LPN program on the 15th of August and was offered a job at a doctor's office (opthamologist).
I'm excited and terrified. In some respects I'm relieved to have something, but it also feels like the door has closed and there is no escape hatch, I'm stuck.
The job is full time, I really only wanted part time, because I have three kids, but I figured I better take it because it's either that or LTC, which means weekends and holidays.
I'm not sure if it's my nerves about actually being a nurse, or my ambivalence about this office, but I'm so scared.
My husband works overnights, so we will rarely see each other, and I'm not sure if it's worth it.
Has anyone else felt like this fresh out of nursing school? It seems my classmates are so excited and can't wait to get out there, but I could use a couple more months of school, if not more. I really like school and just don't want to leave.
Just looking for some support, since I'm feeling a bit alone these days.
Thanks
Marie

This is a transition. We all take it in different ways, but the bottom line is that we leave the apron strings of the school and have to begin the process of practicing on our own; and that means graduating, seperating from your school mates, studying and passing NCLEX and getting out there to the real world. This is what you worked for...to become an LPN. You can't remain in the LPN program forever, unless you are failing (and after so many times, they boot you out). Now, you can continue for the RN if you want to remain in the scholastic atmosphere a bit longer, and even your BSN or Masters...but all of this can only happen once you complete this particular process-bring this to a close, and it is better to gain experience in what you earned in order to go through the next steps.

Like TheCommuter, I was on the opposite end of the spectrum...I ran out of school on the first thing smoking. I hated the pettiness and politics and didn't even go to my own graduation (was on top of the class, at that).

One thing I'll tell you, though. You'll be so busy trying to adjust to nursing that you won't have time to reminisce but so often. I know for me, the house was a mess, had to study to pass NCLEX, orient to a new job several times (meaning that although I was hired to work in one area, all new grads had to work med-surg for 6 weeks), then, circulate the clinics to learn their policies and such, that I was too tired to keep in contact with the few students I was friendly with.

Collect their email addresses, phone numbers and drop them a note every now and then to see how they are doing. In any event, I wish you the best. Transitions are rough, but they are necessary in life. And, drop us a note whenever you need to vent or share!:heartbeat

TemeculaGuy · Aug 9, 2008

Hello, just wanted to ask a question.
I'm going to be graduating from my LPN program on the 15th of August and was offered a job at a doctor's office (opthamologist).
I'm excited and terrified. In some respects I'm relieved to have something, but it also feels like the door has closed and there is no escape hatch, I'm stuck.
The job is full time, I really only wanted part time, because I have three kids, but I figured I better take it because it's either that or LTC, which means weekends and holidays.
I'm not sure if it's my nerves about actually being a nurse, or my ambivalence about this office, but I'm so scared.
My husband works overnights, so we will rarely see each other, and I'm not sure if it's worth it.
Has anyone else felt like this fresh out of nursing school? It seems my classmates are so excited and can't wait to get out there, but I could use a couple more months of school, if not more. I really like school and just don't want to leave.
Just looking for some support, since I'm feeling a bit alone these days.
Thanks
Marie

Congrats on your soon to be completion of the LPN program! I'm struggling just to get into a program, lots of competition where I go to school. What School did you attend? -Jaime

dbledutchs · Aug 11, 2008

Thank you, I'm happy it's winding down, I'm so sick of studying and could really use a nice break. But my job will start right away, and I have some reading to do for that as well.

I went to a school in New york, not the city, in a small town near where I live. I would give the name, but since this is a public forum I would like to remain a bit annonymous.

I guess I just have to accept that it's over now, and all the friends I have made are now going to be gone. I guess it's tough because I don't have any friends outside of nursing school, besides my husband. It has always been hard for me to make and keep friends. I will also be working with older woman, who I'm afraid I won't have anything in common with.

So it will be back to being alone again, since my husband and I work opposite shifts.

Oh well, not much I can do but forge ahead.

Thanks

Marie

H3llo Nurse · Aug 11, 2008

congrads. i know at first u get so happy that u are finally done with school, but honestly sometimes i miss being in school. now secondly, u shouldnt fear of the job u are offered, theres always "QUITTING" and its an opthamaologist office, so i doubt there is going to be any EMERGENCY situations where u gotta panic. just be calm, and go with the flow. the good thing about nursing is that u can find a job almost immediately. good luck to u.

CapeLPN · Aug 12, 2008

Hi - I know I'm chiming in a bit late - but I worked as an ophthalmic assistant for a year before I started my LPN program (took NClex and passed at the end of July, then went on vaca for a bit and am now in the process of looking for a job). I may be able to give you some info about your new position if you can give me an idea of what your job description will be like. I also worked with all older women, but overall we got along really well and they kind of lived vicariously through me since all of their kids were grown and out of the house etc.

If this would help ease any stress about your new job feel free to PM me with any questions. :)

eldragon · Aug 12, 2008

I was glad to get out of school. I had nothing in common with any of my classmates. I was the oldest in the class to graduate, for starters, and that was just the beginning.

I helped a few students study for and ultimately pass the NCLEX, up to and including lending them study materials and studying with them. I was the first person in my class to take the NCLEX, and my phone was ringing off the hook with everyone asking me what the test was like. After I found out I passed, some people called me to congratulate me, but most didn't.

And after everyone took the test? Nobody calls. I have been at my first job for almost 6 months now, and have received no calls or contact from anyone.

So that's the reality of school friends.

I went straight into LTC, in the first job that hired me. I have regretted rushing into it. I'm used to it now but it's not perfect. I was also offered a position at my local doctors office, but turned it down because I thought I'd be bored there.

Maybe I would have been bored, but at least I'd know I was off on weekends and holidays. Working in LTC? Forget it. I work ALL THE TIME.

If you are interested at all in working for the Opthamologist, I'd recommend taking the job.