I’ve been struggling lately with nursing. When I don’t know something or make a mistake (don’t worry, never a life or death thing, it’s usually paper work stuff), I always question if I should have known that or if I’m just dumb. The worst part is that it always feels like I’m making mistakes in front of the people that gossip! Ugh. It’s such a frustrating feeling. Does anyone else feel like this? Or has anyone gone through this?
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eatnursetravel 
don’t worry, you’re not alone. no matter how many years you’ve been a nurse, there is always sooo much to learn and with new research and evidenced based publications coming out all the time, things are always changing so we have to put a lot of effort to keep up to date.
honestly, the first 2 years of nursing were the most difficult for me. i briefly skimmed your blog… are you a new grad? if you are, don’t worry.. your feelings of frustration, anxiety, nervousness are totally normal. never hesitate to ask questions and ask for help. (and i know it sucks about not knowing stuff in front of people who might be gossipers, but better to not know and learn how to do things the right way than to do it with uncertainty.)
you’re not dumb.. you’re smart to ask yourself whether you should or shouldn’t know things.
you made the right choice. =)
When I got my first nursing job I second guessed if I made the right decision, I got really stressed out. It took me a bit to realize that it wasn’t nursing I didn’t like it was where I was working. I got a different job that I love and I’m back to loving nursing.
Interesting!! Maybe it’s just a matter of specializing
I’ve been nursing for 13 years. I am still learning everyday!
And questioning myself often.
It’s great to be in a job where we are constantly learning. My friend and I always joke about how we wish we could be students forever.
But there are also days where I wish I could go home and just not think about work. We’re always taught to reflect on our practice after clinical days and now I think I’ve carried on that habit into my practice. That being said, unfortunately there are nights I can’t sleep because I’m thinking about my work day. I know reflection can help improve my practice, but is this normal? Is this something I should try and stop?
I have worked in a few areas, and when I was new, I thought about work all the time. Especially if I had a bad day! When any situation is new, it all runs through your head over and over. think gradually it becomes more natural and as you go with the flow, regular old shifts won’t keep you up at night.
Ask for feedback! It’s always good to hear you are making the right decisions. Questioning is good, but try not to obsess. I always tell myself, worrying in the middle of the night isn’t doing anyone any good. I promise myself to look for a solution in the am, when I’m clear headed.
Hope that help!
Nursing has so many great opportunities! Working is much more relaxing than being a student!