Terrified of starting career

scallywags · Jan 9, 2008

Congrats on completing your licensure! Interviewing can be kind of nerve wrecking, but the best approach is to relax. One job I interviewed for required a calculations test. Other types of questions really were related to patient safety and how to handle difficult patients.

My first job was in a clinic. They gave me several weeks of training/orientation until they felt I was able to take it on my own. Being a new grad, I felt much the same way you are feeling now. However, after the first few days, I almost wanted to tell them to leave me do my job - I got it! lol I am starting in a new position next week in ob/gyn and I am a bit nervous, but they assured me that they were not going to leave me on my own until I felt comfortable. I am no expert, but it seems most facilities will give you the support you need until you get the hang of it.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jan 10, 2008

All of us are afraid to start the first nursing position. We were protected by our clinical instructors (even if we didn't care for them), and suddenly, it is all over. I started working as an LPN at the facility and department I worked as an aide three weeks after I got my license. I was scared to death. Had to spend 6 weeks on med-surg before I went to my clinic assignment. I still get nervous when I have to do new things, and it has been a year and a half. I also did home care, vaccination nursing and will be doing med-surg per diem at my hospital when I get back from vacation the week after next and I am afraid again. What I keep in mind is that this is what I went to school for and I want to gain as much experience as possible to pad my resume. You never know where you will want to go later. I plan to remain in clinics for my primary job until I retire, but I want to work med-surg and the ER to be able to better care for home care patients. It takes time, but, you have to dive in there. Good luck!!

jean333 · Jan 10, 2008

I know how you feel, I was REALLY scared too and it did not help that I am 18. I wondered how I would be treated and the whole beginning a new job because there is sooo much you learn outside of school. I got a job in a doctors office and so far so good. This week I am in the lab drawing blood and had my first man pass out on me. This Friday I will be there 5 weeks and I still feel so slow. Just jump in feet first and get that first job. You have to get your feet wet sometime :) I bet you do great!

Jean