I finally start on the floor Sunday...now I am scared!

What if I was a great LPN, but make a really crappy RN? What if I miss something in my assessement? What if? What if? What if?

What if I just take my klonopin now?

I am starting my precepting on a unit called HVIU, which is an intermediate heart and vas. unit. They get alot of step down open hearts and balloon pumps and stuff out of the ICU, including drips. I really wanted on this unit, my old charge nurse from my old post op unit is there, as well as an RN that I used to work with back in the day at the LTC facility...we were both LPN's then. Even though I wanted there, I am now scared!!
Breathe.

Your terror is natural, and has happened to every nurse that has ever lived. You probably WILL miss SOMETHING in your assessment, you probably WILL feel overwhelmed, you WILL have to call a doctor, you WILL have to code a pt... All valid fears but all realities of nursing! You will undoubtedly make mistakes, as we all have and we all do. The important thing is to learn from them and not allow yourself to allow them to hang over your head. Everybody has to start somewhere, and that somewhere is always Day 1. It sounds like you have a good support system already in place on the floor, so use it to your full learning advantage.Always know when to ask questions and when to ask for help, and you will be fine.

I've worked as an ICU nurse for about 2 years now (have been an RN for 2 1/2 yrs) and I STILL get scared! I asked a seasoned ICU RN that I work with, how long it took her to feel "comfortable" coming to work; she told me 7 years. It gets easier as you go along and it wouldn't be normal to feel comfortable right at the start.Some advice I have: NEVER be afraid to ask questions, even those that you think are stupid! I NEVER do something unless I'm absolutely sure I KNOW what I'm doing AND WHY. And don't ever let anyone (RN's or MD's) make you feel stupid. Everyone was "new" & scared at one point.Good luck to you!

Many of us ask/say "what if"...remember anything is possible, but you know what, I think you are going to be a great nurse by just saying "what if". That way you can prepare ahead of time so you'll know what to do if that "what if" happens. Just relax and ignore those thoughts. You will find someone nice to help you, you are not going to be alone. Just believe in yourself.