When do the butterflies go away?

[Lizzie21]

Hey everyone! So I am a new graduate nurse who has now been on my own for 3 weeks. Every time I go in for my first night shift I get really nervous and scared and don't want to go in. I get these butterflies thinking that if something happened I wouldn't know what to do or how to handle them. All the nurses I work with are super sweet and nice to talk too and very helpful.

I just want to feel comfortable in my own skin and be a good nurse. How long it did take some of you experienced nurses to get over this fear? any advice for this new grad?

Thanks everyone and happy holidays!!

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

Hang in there, this just shows you are paying attention. It will take months or up to a year before you really get your groove. Totally normal, just keep going.

[Guest717236]

Just keep focused and keep practicing. Ask lots of questions of your colleagues.

As you practice, your confidence will improve. Apprehension, will take up to a year as nurse2033 has stated to improve and go away.

How do you know you are cured? One day you will soon find that you are the resource person for new nurses...time flies,

enjoy your nursing journey....

[AirforceRN, RN]

One thing you have to learn when you become a nurse is that you are never an island in a hospital. There are always people around you and chances are (as you stated above) they are willing to help you when you need them. When the poop hits the fan, often times the most important thing to remember isn't what to do and how to do it, its asking for help in a timely manner.