registered nurse week in my life, new grad, being honest, three night shifts, emergency department

I totally get where you’re coming from. Healthcare is so stressful at times! I’ve been a RN for 4 years now but in the beginning it was super rough and I was an anxious mess. A few words of advice, to protect yourself don’t pick up extra shifts! I did this all the time and burnt myself out. You learn that the hospital will always use and abuse you and no one is looking out for you but yourself! Take that pressure off yourself and focus on planning things that fill up your cup on your off days! ❤

I feel like 90% of nurses feel this way. I’ve been an RN for 5 years and i still often feel that anxiety before a shift. Not as bad now as it was before but it’s still there nonetheless. It’s the unknown for me. You never know what that shift is going to bring you. Trusting in my team is what helped me the most.

I graduate in May and have my new grad position lined up for nights. I personally chose nights, as this fits me better than days, but most importantly, I also thought of my dog when considering my shifts. I'm so happy that even though I'll be asleep part of the day, I'll be with him. And at night he'll be with my parents, but once he's up, I'll be back for him. It's the little things that I can be grateful for and to know I get to maximize our time together!

Our work as nurses is very stressful no doubt. It’s the art of science. What nurses do is care. Fill your bucket always and pace yourself. Or burnout will happen quickly. After 40 years I really want to nurture the generations coming up. Having faith has been my own cornerstone. My work an offering and prayer. People are people - so do not feel disheartened by cruel people who display their mean selves. BUT never ever allow yourself to be abused. It is felony to abuse a health care worker. I often told abusive patients I would come help when they made the choice to either keep quiet or be nice. You have that right as a human being! Your co workers and your hospital needs to stand against abuse of ANY kind.

Nursing will always have it’s ups and downs. I’ve been a nurse for 12 years (night shift) and have seen some crazy stuff! I’ve witnessed some pretty amazing recoveries and sad deaths. Every shift is different. Some nights are soooo hard. Patients are rude and nasty. Family members are rude and demanding and threaten to sue every five minutes. Sometimes it’s really hard for me to remember why I do this. But then I remember and I keep trucking along. There will come a day when I can no longer stand doing bedside. But until then, I just continue to be the best nurse I can and provide the best care possible. I also try to remember the good shifts.

even though this was just a vlog, this video was beautiful. you were so raw and well-spoken about your feelings. the way you always bring things back to a positive was perfect. you got this girl <3

Pls continue being honest, we’re all human & can relate ✨

I went straight into the OR as a new grad RN in 2017. I had nightmares before every shift and would sleepwalk into my living room thinking I was at work. I'd have this recurring dream about having the wrong sterile drape for a piece of surgical equipment. The dreams, of varying intensity, last for almost 2 years. Now I sleep like a baby and have no pre-shift anxiety. Things GET BETTER. You gain knowledge, confidence and skills but it takes TIME. I would get so frustrated at myself because of how stressed I would get. Now, I am the preceptor to new grads and I think I am at the perfect stage where I still remember the pre shift stress but have had enough experience to teach. Its so rewarding looking back and seeing how much you have learned and grew as a nurse!

Thank you for sharing this. I’m on my second of three nights in a row as a new grad ICU nurse. I often find myself sitting in my car before a shift, prolonging my entrance. I should be going in early and preparing but i’m so anxious about the unknown. I hope this fades with time and experience, thank you for reminding me that i am not alone. 🙏🏼

Why don’t you try not picking up extra shifts until this feeling of anxiety goes away!!!! God bless you🙏✨🔆🙏❤️💙💜💕🙏

I can wait to start my nursing program in September.

New sub: Girl you aren’t alone nursing definitely can go up & down. I totally agree with you families & patients could be nicer especially since we are there for them. I do understand it’s very stressful for them, but you should be respectful of your caregiver. I’m so glad you think of Camper during your work nights. Camper is precious 😊❤

i love this so far and you are becoming one of my favorites youtubers to watch about my interest for nursing!! keep doing you and working hard. you’re doing great!

all my figs scrubs are a size M, all same styles and they all fit me differently some are tight some are loose and some fit perfectly

I totally remember the feeling of dread going into three night shifts. For me, it got better when I switched to days and evenings, and even more so when I began working two 16-hour shifts (6AM-10PM) and one 8-hour shift (usually 6AM-2PM but occasionally it will be a 2PM-10PM). The 8-hour shift seems so “short,” haha 🤣🤣 ! Sure, the 16-hour days are long but getting my work week down to “2 and a half days” has helped me a ton! I hope you are able to find a good work/life balance for you. 😊

Most nurses feel this way . Very rewarding career but a lot of sacrifices. That’s why a lot of people admire nurses and say … I could never do that job 😉

Love love love your videos! I love your vibe!! So thankful you tell the truth about being a new grad nurse in the real world!

I just had my first night shift and tonight I’m on my first of three, and I’m sick. The feeling of dread is real. I know exactly how you feel.

I love your authenticity! Thank you for sharing ❤️

Hey Sierra , I am a nursing student. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I am mentally preparing myself from now ❤