Accepting Your Role as a Beginner.

Let’s face it; being a beginner at anything is difficult. It is for me, at least. I often find comfort in knowing that I know how to do something. And so, not knowing how to do things can be terrifying.

I recently graduated nursing school in the beginning of May. I accepted a job at an amazing hospital a few hours away from my hometown, and just started orientation last week. I haven’t even started on the floor yet, and I’m already incredibly nervous.

What if I’m not good at starting IVs? What if the doctors are mean to me? What if my preceptor thinks I’m stupid? What if I’ll never be a good nurse?

For me, it’s very easy to let these thoughts run rampant in my mind. I think that it stems from a place of insecurity about my abilities, even though logically I know that those thoughts are not correct. I feel like I should just show up and know how to do everything- but that is simply not realistic.

It takes time to learn any skill. It’s okay to be a beginner. In fact, it helps to remind yourself that that’s what you are! A beginner. Not a pro. You’re NEW. Be okay with that. Accepting that you will feel lost and confused is the first step to reeling in your anxiety and not letting it take over your life.

Tell yourself this:

“It’s okay for me to feel like there’s a lot to learn, because there is. I am not supposed to know everything already, my new job will teach me what I need to know. I worked hard to get here, and I have the skills needed to be here, so I don’t need to continue to doubt my abilities. God is with me, and I do not need to worry.”

In short, don’t doubt yourself. Don’t let little mistakes get to you. Don’t let the idea of not knowing how to do something scare you. Let these things excite you and push you to want to learn and become the best that you can be at whatever you are doing.