The love/hate relationship with my new job.
By coffeeshot
@coffeeshot (3783)
Australia
March 11, 2008 1:43am CST
I started a new job a couple of weeks ago in the field of veterinary nursing. I love what I do-there's nothing more satisfying than nursing a sick animal back to health. The thing is, I'm easily intimidated and generally vets are rather intimidating people. Most people I work with are fairly nice but being the new one there, I don't know much compared to everyone else and they've all been there for 6-7 years. Sometimes i feel like i'm in everybody's way and perhaps they get annoyed at me for asking so many questions. I know it's probably irrational thinking but it bothers me and I get so nervous before my shift. I wish I could just be settled in and comfortable with going to work. Can anyone offer me any advice to make me feel more confident about going to work?
2 people like this
9 responses
@mummymo (23706)
•
11 Mar 08
Sweetheart I am so sorry that the enthusiasm you have for your job is marred by nervousness and self doubt! Thing is sweety if you don't ask questions how will you learn and if you don't learn there is no point in doing the job right? It is natural to feel the way you do but do try to remember that everyone was new to the job at some stage and I bet they felt the same way as you do now! At some point in the future you will be helping someone new and find it hard to believe you were ever as nervous and worried as you are right now! xxx
1 person likes this
@coffeeshot (3783)
• Australia
12 Mar 08
Thanks for the advice everyone. It is very obvious advice but I think I needed to hear it from someone else as I was beginning to doubt my worth. FYI my shift this morning went really well, although it was quiet. It is true, it will just take time for me to settle in.
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
11 Mar 08
Your work sounds like the type where you get better by doing.The more shifts you do, the better you will become.Are the doctor frustrated during your shift? If not, then you are doing okay. I feel they will tell you if you are not making it.And it is normal to be nervous. You are new.The best thing to do is just take a deep breath, let it out and go do your shift.
1 person likes this
@subha12 (18441)
• India
11 Mar 08
i think the way you are feeling is natural. its the same with all new people. try to read as much as manual available with you. when you are not working, try to look at what they are doing.take a note. also tell them taht you are apologized as you ask questions but have no way around.
@tigerdragon (4297)
• Philippines
11 Mar 08
do not think about it too much or your work will suffer. do what you are suppose to do and everything will be ok. be confident in your ways and do not think that these people are giving you that hawk eye. i am so sorry but they really do give a damn on who you are and what you do. just be part of the team and do your part.
@Sissygrl (10912)
• Canada
11 Mar 08
Time and experience will give you the confidence that you want.. I think that si the only thing that you can do is keep going, and eventually you will be one of the gang i bet. It's like that with all the jobs i've ever done, in the begining you feel like your somewhat useless, but eventually you will get the hang of everyhting. 
1 person likes this
@season0907 (671)
• India
11 Mar 08
Hi coffeeshot,
Nursing job is a noble profession and being a veterinary nursing is a great job.You may find it little difficult in the begining but the time progress you will find it easy.Vet's usually intimidate humans not because they don't like but they think that they may get harm from us. But once they understand that we are going to be thier frineds, they are the best friends.But in vetenari nursing you will get to see new vets every time but there are methods to tackle the problems arising there and I am sure you will become familiar with that in a short time.Don't worry.
Good Luck.
1 person likes this
@GnosticGoddess (5626)
• United States
13 Mar 08
I know that sucks. I got like that when I was working in a assisted living home. I had never done anything like that before and it was nerve racking.
It was starting to get better though right before I left.
My sister got like that too when she started her EMT and then too when she moved up to a paramedic. She said that time is the only way to really get over that feeling.
The longer you work there and the more things you learn you'll start feeling better.
Good luck sweetie!
@ElicBxn (63608)
• United States
11 Mar 08
How can you possibly know the routine of the clinic if you've just started? How are you going to learn if you don't ask questions? Find a person in the clinic that you can ask questions of, and becareful to not over appologise for asking questions, you aren't going to learn without them.
Obviously a senior tech is probably the sort of person you should be asking and not a vet.
And good luck, from a crazy cat lady in Texas.
1 person likes this
@skinnychick (6905)
• United States
13 Mar 08
Maybe you should be a little more confident at least try to fake it. Don't let them think they can intimidate you. Being new just go in and try to learn everything that you can and then you will be more confident. Don't be nervous- you got hired and they obviously like you. You can also never learn unless you ask questions- people appreciate questions and that could save you a whole lot of headache for doing something wrong instead of asking about it. Good luck!
