Worked hard through school but I don't feel prepared!

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Hello! Long time lurker of allnurses here who is needing some advice. I am a nursing student going into senior year as well as a CNA for the past few years. I am feeling a lot of anxiety about being a nurse by next summer because I don't feel prepared. I have worked hard throughout school, gotten mostly A's, done well in clinical, and love my job on a pysch floor. However, no matter how much I study or watch the nurses on my floor or during clinical, I feel like there's no way I could be as safe as they are next year. There's so much I don't know! No matter how hard I work, I feel like I can't master all the meds I need to know or the disease processes I should understand. I'm always feeling the need to review. I'm so worried I'll make some major, stupid mistake in my first year as an RN and hurt some innocent patient. Is this normal for a soon-to-be new grad to feel? I've read a lot of threads here where new grads are assured that school prepares them to be just safe, not competent, and that real learning comes with the job. I don't even feel safe though, let alone competent!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

It's completely normal for a new grad to feel all of that & more. Furthermore, you aren't even a new grad yet so of course you don't feel prepared. You need to give yourself a huge break and just work on your final year.

Most of us crusty old nurses will tell you that you are only half-baked as a nurse when you graduate. The first few years of experience will complete your education. The fastest way to burnout as a new nurse is to expect to hit the ground running and to be perfectly prepared to be a nurse.

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Specializes in ICU / Urgent Care.

Confidence comes after graduation. Usually 1+ years. Just wait until you are in your speciality and get to focus on that enviornment 36-40 hours a week. School and nclex pulls you in all directions and makes you have a lot of knowledge on a lot of different topics but the master of none. When you get on your unit, you'll become more and more comfortable over time, like I said about a year.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Moved to the General Nursing Student forum for more replies.

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Thanks for the great replies and words of advice. I really do feel like the master of no topics right now but it's so comforting to know that all new nurses will feel this way. As a long time lurker you nurses are my inspiration and I'm always reading your stories and learning from you. Thanks so much!

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

You will have an orientation to teach you the basics. You have another year of school left to interact with patients. You will not be a master of anything when you graduate. Mastery takes years of practice. Being scared is normal and accepted. With competence comes comfort. Keep doing what you're doing and you will be fine.

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Specializes in Vascular Access.

Hey, no worries! What you're feeling is probably to be expected. I know I felt that way too! The great thing is that if you work in a good environment your colleagues will let you practice autonomously but be available for your questions, concerns, and problems. And don't forget about orientation... so many things can be resolved during that period.

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I'm glad to know you all felt that way once too. I'm looking into good work environments, hoping to find a residency program that'll help me feel more prepared and confident!

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Specializes in GENERAL.

In reality nursing mostly OTJ if ever there was one.

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Specializes in GENERAL.

In reality nursing mostly OTJ if ever there was one.

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