Starting as a newly qualified nurse - terrified!!

[Scandiocean]

Hi everyone, happy 2025!

I am due to start my first ever registered nurse role next week in community mental health! I qualified in December and opted to start in a new trust due to less travel.

I was all cool, calm and collected about it… until today!! I am absolutely terrified. My new team seem lovely and said it’ll be a process over several weeks of shadowing, learning the role, area, getting IT set up etc. I just feel out my depth and I’m beginning to think maybe I should have stayed in the trust I trained in.

The new role is fixed term for a year, which I’m hoping if all goes well there may be a possibility of making this permanent. However, having the option of moving team is somewhat soothing to my anxieties! I’m seeing it as an extension of placement time until I find my feet.

Im hoping to get some advice from others in my situation or those who have come out the other side as a newly qualified!

You'll be absolutely fine! Nerves are good, it means you care about doing a good job. Also you'll have a lot of support around you, no one expects you know everything on day one. Use this time to ask all the questions you can and good luck!

I've been qualified for 20 years this year, and it's gone in the blink of an eye. I remember clearly being a newly qualified nurse. Yes, it's daunting, but you will be fine, especially as it sounds like you are going to a nice team. Just ask lots of questions, and don't worry about feeling silly. I ask questions every day. You'll never know everything or be expected to know everything. I would just make sure you get advice when you are usure. I've worked the last 18 years in the community and have worked over 3 different trusts. You'll soon build up your confidence as a lone worker. You'll soon adapt to the trust you work for. Good luck and enjoy!