The truth about being newly qualified

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So after completing three long years training on the wards, writing assignments, dissertations and most importantly looking after some of the most vulnerable patients in their hour of need I felt ready and happy to qualify as a nurse. I was so happy to share with ANYONE my chosen career choice.

The reality ... Well since qualifying I was well supported for the first four weeks taking full advantage of the supernumery status. Then after that I was on my own. Some shifts have been amazing and I feel I have truly made a difference however other shifts couldn't be more opposite.

Take yesterday I had nine patients on a busy care of the elderly ward. Three nurses in total for the whole ward(one moved from a different ward fairly new to nursing like me ). Out of these nine patients all but one was nursed in bed needed turns and alot of care.. On top of this I had three admissions and two poorly patients and a first year student. Now I am not one to make a fuss or moan I usually just try my hardest to get on with it, however when one of my patients took a turn for the worst I literally broke down on shift I couldn't contain my tears I felt so helpless.

The reality of being a newly qualified 21 year old nurse is terrifying I can't tell you the amount of times I've ended my shift in tears wondering how on earth I am going to to go back in tomorrow at seven in the morning after leaving work at nine. And as much as I love caring for patients its the forms, the stress and the pressure thats overwhelming. I hate to say this but if I knew at the begginging of my training what I know now I don't think I would of completd it. I'm hoping that in time I find the pressures easier to cope with

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

Welcome to the wonderful world of nursing in today's NHS. Nursing numbers are decided by accountants. At least you had 4 weeks supernumerary, when I trained you were expected to take charge of a ward as a 3rd year student - not saying it was better then (it wasn't). My advice, get your year in then move. Good luck.

ps.

Don't worry about it, we have all felt overwhelmed on a shift. Especially when you are new.

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Did you work in elderly care as a student? When I did my CotE placement it was exactly like this even though I didn't have full responsibility of the patients. I agree with GrumpyRN, wait for your preceptorship period to end and go to a less hectic ward (if those exist).

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Yeah I had this ward as a placement and loved it however coming back as a nurse and not a student has been completely different the staff levels have changed and it seems so much more manic than it ever was as a student !

Thanks for your advise

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Please remove message. Thanks.

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