worried about technical skills

[firstyearRN]

about to start first job and I'm kind of nervous about using all the equipment, blood draws, ivs, etc. Anything you suggest to practice at home or read? I understand the medical aspect to nursing but I'm terribly weak at the skills.

Thank you so much in advance!!

[jayne109, RN]

Relax! The more you worry about it, the more nervous you get and the more likely you will fail.

Explain to your Charge nurse that you need practice with skills. Have them look out for procedures for you so you can practice. Also, tell your Orientor that you need help. See if lab will let you go along for lab draws to practice.

I was the same way. I came out of nursing school with few skills. I got a job with a small hospital on a med-surg floor that handled everybody from babies on a bili blanket to hospice cancer patients and all the surgery you could ask for. I was nervous. I hadn't started a successful IV, put in a foley, hung blood, and so much more. In the course of a year, I had a good variety of skills that was able to help me get a better job at a bigger hospital.

But first take a deep breath and relax. Skills will come.

Hope this helps,

Melissa

[baylor06]

Nobody expects a new grad to walk onto the unit dully trained and functional- relax! I agree with the above post about finding oppurtunities to learn new skills. Many nurses would love to help and teach you- just ask! You will learn so much... Just enjoy it, and welcome to the field. :-)