Okay, allnurses, This thread is intended for all nurses out there, but more specifically for new nurses or nurses who have just changed a specialty area and could use any helpful tips/wisdom/stress management techniques! I guess this thread was misleading as all of you thought I was sharing tips/wisdom that I had. I guess I do have a few tips :). We can do it! Here are some of my tips: 1). Things are never as bad as you think they may be. For instance, you're anxious about your shift, but it really in all actuality will go well since you're prepared, and know you have resources if you need them. And, if you have one bad shift, that does not mean you're a bad nurse. Go back the next day, and it will go much better. Just keep showing up. 2). Rewards: treat yourselves like Pavlov's dogs. When you get home, celebrate your good night (or day or decent night you had considering the obstacles you faced) by eating your favorite treat. Now, it doesn't have to be a hershey bar every day because this could become very unhealthy lol; maybe make sure you have your favorite yogurt stocked or something. I'm not praising materialism or anything lol, but there is something to be said for: hey, after x many shifts, I am going to buy those pair of shoes I wanted. Or after this week, I am going ice skating with the girls, which brings me to number 3: 3). Have something to look forward to :). 4). Know that as time goes on, your anxiety will decrease, and you will look forward to going to work. Okay, maybe not always look forward to it, but you will reach a point where you are confident that you can handle most anything that comes along (because you have handled most things by that point; trust me, I have been there before, and it does happen). 5). A good shift is more likely to happen if you are well-rested, and organized prior to work. Have everything ready ahead of time so you're not rushing to get to work on time. This just makes you stressed before you even start your shift. 6). Also, be confident in what you do know. We know more than we give ourselves credit for, and think of how far you have progressed in a short time. Keep the tips/wisdom rolling!