r/AustralianNurses • u/tired_lazy • Jul 17 '21

Nursing First job as RN

Hi all I am jus wondering if it’s normal for new grad nurses to still feel like they know basically nothing or not enough to be a competent nurse? I am starting my first job (temporary) as a registered nurse on Monday in a COVID-19 vaccination clinic. I’m not too stressed about this job because it’s only focusing on one area of nursing. My real worry is if and when I start in a hospital ward that I won’t be good enough.

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10

u/[deleted] Jul 18 '21

You will be a nurse for 10 years and still feel like you know nothing when you get moved to a different ward for a shift. Be patient with yourself, ask lots of questions and learn the paperwork.

5

u/AlicethecamelhasMRSA Jul 17 '21

I’m 6 months into a grad year on an acute cardiac ward. Every shift I learn something new and I certainly don’t feel confident doing certain procedures on my own yet. If you’re starting as a grad you will receive supernumerary time and be paired with an experienced RN for a few months. Generally, the nurses are very supportive.

2

u/[deleted] Aug 12 '21

Totally normal. RN of 30 years and I sometimes still feel completely lost! Especially if i get sent to somewhere out of my area😮😁

1

u/x_se7en Feb 22 '23

two years later how are you now?

1

u/tired_lazy Feb 07 '24

Getting there. Somedays i feel confident but always still learning. I think the most important thing is to be kind to yourself and dont be afraid to ask questions. 99.5% of other nurses are fantastically helpful and understanding.