When does it all start to come together?

Have you had clinicals yet? We started Med/Surge clinical this semester, and having the chance to practice what we're learning in skills classes has been great. It is all coming together because I can see what we've covered in class and how that material relates to real patient care. It's also been good because I have had access to nurses in the trenches, and they're a HUGE wealth of information, and most of them are more than willing to answer your questions (at least in my experience). I sometimes feel like a puppy tagging along for the ride, but I jump in wherever I can to watch, listen, or do. Clinicals should give you a way to tie together the material and the job.

About August, 2006.

I did a 2yr ADN program, and the 2nd year was a big improvement over the first--finally starting to "think like a nurse" a little bit, but orientation felt a lot like back to square one. Very intimidating and sometimes overwhelming--literally experienced nausea r/t anxiety before each shift. But by the time I was on my own, I was sorta ready--still scared, though. It will soon be 6 mo since my hire date, and while I am painfully aware of my inadequacies, I'm starting to recognize my adequacies, too. I wouldn't say I'm a good nurse, yet, but I'm finally sure I will be. Even had a doctor compliment me on a good catch, the other night. Woohoo!

Hang in there. If you aren't a little in awe of what you're doing, I wonder if you're taking it seriously enough. But if you were able to get into nsg school, your brain is able to grasp the science. It really is amazing how things you think you forgot as soon as the test was done come back to you when you need them. The "art" side of nursing requires practical experience, but if your heart is in it, it will come.

For me, it took 2 years' fulltime nursing for it to 'all come together" for me.

I have been working as a full fledged RN now for 4 months and almost everyday I see a circle in my education coming together. Somethings I am still wondering what the heck, and that's ok for now, I am sure it will all fill in at some point. Lovin those lightbulb moments right now though!!

For me, it took 2 years' fulltime nursing for it to 'all come together" for me.

This is encouraging, I have been a RN for a little over a year and felt like I should be able to have it all come together by now, but I stll have some difficulty.

I started out in ltc feeling very overwhelmed and a good friend and classmate of mine told me it takes at least 6 months of being a nurse for things to start to click. she was right. you have so much to learn everyday. just be a sponge and soak up all the experience you can get. :smackingf

Oh, I'd say about 20 years:rotfl: Nah-before you know it you will have a grasp on most things. Good luck

for alot of people in my lpn class it starts to click somewhere in the second semester. Learn your A&P, remember Maslow's needs, put yourself in the situation with nclex questions, use as many books as you can stand. I used these tips to get a 3.7 GPA. good luck

I went to school for my ADN and everything came "together" for me in my very last semester, critical care. I've learned alot more though just working on my unit. I think it usally takes about six months to a year to actually process everthing. Or so I hpoe, i've been a nurse for four months now. Hang in there and good luck!! Don't be too hard on yourself, they do that enough in nursing school:rolleyes: .

Help!!!! I just accepted a positon as an RN for an OB/GYN office. I graduated just this past may and honestly don't remember much or know much, for exaple all the procedures, labs to be drawn for this or for that and I won't be recieving much training- its the type of job that you ask when you don't know something-well that is almost everything for me! From the abbreviations that are used to most common meds and etc. Does anyone have any advice!!!! I have only been on the job 1.5 days I like it but feel incompetent w/my lack of knowledge. Any good books or etc that would apply to the OB/GYN office setting? Thanks, for anyones help!!!

I will get easier, trust me. I carry all types of small reference books with me. I still carry my drug book with me. I look at it this way, a prudent nurse would not assume that she knows what she doesn't. Be confident in what you know, and confident in what you don't. Find a mentor, and follow the ways that you were taught in school. Dont stray from the correct ways.

Lori LPN, working for her RN.

Thanks for all the good information. I have been so busy, so as you can see it took me over a week to get back to read the replies.

I am in clinicals and I am asking a lot of questions as some of you suggested. It is helping a lot.

Thanks again!!