This Job is Scary!!!

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Specializes in ICU.

Hi everyone! I'm new to the forum and new to nursing in general. I worked on a med/surg floor for about 6mos and am now working in an ICU. I finished my training recently and have been on the floor by myself for the last few weeks. I have to say it is scary! Does this fear go away? I have made my fair share of rookie mistakes but every time my patient's condition worsens I feel like it is my fault somehow. I guess I'm worried that I might be a bad nurse. Anyone else have feelings like this? How do you get over it? I LOVE what I do and it has always been my dream, but MAN is it stressful at times!

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Specializes in ICU.

Some days I leave thinking I am the worst nurse ever.

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It is normal to feel nervous and second guess yourself when first starting out. It's just the process of learning and developing your critical thinking skills. The newer nurses that scare me are the over-confident, never ask questions, too sure of themselves ones.

The ICU is an intense environment and I still question my decisions and actions...there is always something new to learn and immersing yourself in those new opportunities will add to your knowledge and you'll begin to feel more confident in yourself.

Nursing involves life-long learning. No one ever knows it all.

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Feeling that twinge of anxiousness/fear is normal. It's never good to be overly confident. You're still very new to your specialty. It will take time to learn enough to feel more confident.

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Work gets better. I remember being scared and anxious. It's ok. It shows that you care. Some of that fear and anxiety will diminish over time. Your confidence will slowly develop. Be patient and don't be too hard on yourself. Best of luck.

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Specializes in Hospice and Palliative Nurse.

First....welcome! I have been a nurse for 35 years. I started as a candy striper at 15 and have never done anything other than medical related work. Most recently I have worked in hospice care and loved it.

Take a deep breath...always ask if you are unsure. It does get easier and you will find your intuition is usualy spot on. Hang in there.

Peace

"Everything I know in life, I learned from those with no life left"

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