I am going into my third year of nursing. I took a summer position on a pediatrics unit as a unit clerk and nursing aid. As a student throughout the year on the clinic floor, I am very focused on what I am doing and making sure my instructor is not upset with me for something, I do not have alot time to observe the R.N's and learn from them. Now,that I have room to breath as the unit clerk and nursing aid, I have observed them to learn. However, the reality of nursing has also hit me. A lot of sick people and not enough nurses, not to mention the enormous responsibility and skills a nurse has. I was aware of this going into school as I am an older student. However, you never truly know until you are in the midst of it all. I am scared to death and one question keeps coming to me... Will this all come together when I graduate, will I be able to do this as a grad nurse??? Help, terrified to be a nurse!!
LeeAnn
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August 8th, 2008 at 2:36 am
Dear LeeAnn,
I am also older and am about to complete my first year as an RN. You can do it! Yes, it is scary how much responsiblity we have. I would say it took me until month nine to feel truly confident that I could do this job: as long as I always stay humble, follow the rules to a T…especially the rights of patients when giving medications, and as long as I remember that nursing is continous learning. At six months I thought I was there, but then almost made a big med error that scared me to death. But after another 3 months and being SOLID on the patient rights always, I am now confident again, but this time it is coupled with constant vigilence. Don’t, I repeat don’t let yourself get exhausted…that’s when something bad might happen. Call in sick, switch your schedule around, whatever it takes to stay relatively rested before going to work. You are also responsible for keeping your mind and body in good enough condition to do the job safely and well. I was super tired when I almost made that error. And learning should never, ever stop. But that makes our profession more interesting. You have way more practical experience than I had starting out since you are working as a clerk and aid. You will be a valuable addition to wherever you decide to work. Good luck.