Being a new nurse is overwhelming enough, but what if you also feel out of sync socially with the people around you? Socially awkward. Emotionally drained. Cognitively overloaded. Loving nursing, but quietly wondering if you're doing it "wrong."

In this episode, I (Kati Kleber, MSN RN) sit down with my husband, licensed clinical counselor John Kleber, to talk honestly about what it's like to be a new nurse who doesn't feel like they fit the mold. Together, we unpack how neurodivergence, social anxiety, uneven emotional skill sets, and public expectations can collide during the already-intense transition from nursing school to practice.

Rather than trying to "fix" us nurses, we normalize why feeling awkward with the social side of nursing is just part of the learning process, and how to stay grounded while you grow into the role.

What you'll learn:

✅ Why it's common to love nursing but still feel awkward about the social side, and feel misunderstood, or out of place (especially for anyone who's neurodivergent)

✅ The difference between a genuine skill deficit and VERY normal developmental stages in new nurses

✅ Why perfectionism and people-pleasing are so common, and so exhausting

✅ Practical therapy frameworks, scripts, and tools to help you communicate your needs, protect your energy, and build confidence without pretending to be someone you're not

🔗 Resources & Links:

• John's counseling practice: https://www.klebercounseling.com/

• Join the FreshRN email list for free (non-spammy) resources & updates: https://www.freshrn.com/email-sign-up

• Nurse leaders: Need a comprehensive residency program for your new grads? Check out: https://www.freshrn.com/enterprise/

🎧 Follow & Subscribe:

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