Waiting too long between graduation and first job.

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So I started started a new RN job and I don't think I am acclimating well.

I graduated with an ADN in June '12 passed my NCLEX the same month. I moved to a remote area with my boyfriend that didn't have many RN positions available. I found a job in another field for over a year. I realized I did not want my nursing education or RN license to go to waste so I searched very hard and finally found an RN job. It is in a small practice with a few family practice doctors that also see people on a walk-in urgent care type basis.

Overall the job does not seem too difficult but being out of school for so long without experience I feel like I am a bit rusty to say the least.

I feel like I am fumbling with everything even the simplest tasks like taking a blood pressure, I know I am doing it correctly but I look like a spaz, or at least feel like I do.

Also my blood draw and IV skills are not good anymore. I wish nearby colleges/universities offered refresher courses for nurses that wanted to brush up on certain skills.

Is it possible I waited too long between school and a job? Should I consider going back to school? I am just afraid going back and getting a bachelors won't give me the clinical/hands on experience I need. I'd appreciate any advice on how to regain skills and confidence.

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Far from more schooling.. you need more hands on practice.Sounds like you are in a very good place to get that.

Does anyone come out of school with IV and blood draw skills? or any hands on skills for that matter. I couldn't nurse my way out of a wet paper bag for the first 2 or 3 years.

Be upfront with the office personnel and ask for some mentoring in the hands on area. They NEED you for your RN license and assessment skills. A good trade off!

I can empathize with your BP taking problem. I was out for two years ( after 20 years).. and also fumbled with that seemingly basic skill.

Stop being so hard on yourself.... you've got this ;)

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So I started started a new RN job and I don't think I am acclimating well. I graduated with an ADN in June '12 passed my NCLEX the same month. I moved to a remote area with my boyfriend that didn't have many RN positions available. I found a job in another field for over a year. I realized I did not want my nursing education or RN license to go to waste so I searched very hard and finally found an RN job. It is in a small practice with a few family practice doctors that also see people on a walk-in urgent care type basis. Overall the job does not seem too difficult but being out of school for so long without experience I feel like I am a bit rusty to say the least. I feel like I am fumbling with everything even the simplest tasks like taking a blood pressure I know I am doing it correctly but I look like a spaz, or at least feel like I do. Also my blood draw and IV skills are not good anymore. I wish nearby colleges/universities offered refresher courses for nurses that wanted to brush up on certain skills. Is it possible I waited too long between school and a job? Should I consider going back to school? I am just afraid going back and getting a bachelors won't give me the clinical/hands on experience I need. I'd appreciate any advice on how to regain skills and confidence.[/quote']

I can relate to your concerns but I say keep at; more school won't help like hands-on experience will.

I graduated with my BSN in December 2012 and had a baby two months later. I've been home with her ever since and just started working part-time in an outpatient setting a few weeks ago. I hear you about being rusty on the simplest things! I was fumbling with BP cuffs, too. :)

But, I am amazed by how much I DO remember from school and it seems to only take doing things a few times before I feel comfortable again.

I never started an iv in nursing school and only administered shots a few times so even if I'd worked straight our of school, those are skills I'd need to practice.

Talk to other new nurses and supportive experienced ones. I'm sure they will tell you that ALL new nurses feel insecure and unskilled.

Don't beat yourself up about not working straight out of school. Life happens. I got pregnant in school because I'm in my thirties and nursing is a second career for me. I did not want to delay school further nor did I want to miss out on being a mom so this is the timing that worked for me. A lot of nurses like to say, "You must do things this way," but, coming from another field with some life experience, I can say that you do what you have to do and you make it work. There's no one timeline for everyone.

You know more than you think you do and what you don't know, you'll learn on the job! Good luck. I'm in the same boat so you're not alone!

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I graduated from nursing school may 2012 didn't start my first job till april 2013. You will learn as you go and don't sell yourself short.

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Specializes in Perinatal.

I graduated May of 2012 and just started working last month! It all comes back to you, just have patience and try to not be so hard on yourself ;)

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

check and see if any local hospitals offer a phlebotomy course

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