Nervous and new to this

[sykelovesnursing]

Hi everyone!

This is my first time posting on Allnurses but I have been reading posts from this community for a while now and appreciate the insight most can provide.

A little background: I have my BA in Psychology (graduated in May) and due to multiple crises within the past few years concerning my mother's health- this profession spoke to me.

I began a CNA course in NC in June to see if nursing would be a good fit for me. I have talked about being an RN for years and decided this would be a good point for me to make a solid decision about moving towards that.

I picture myself as an RN and LOVE learning medical information, and especially sharing that/making it simpler to explain to others. The one unfortunate thing I have found from being in my CNA course is that I don't enjoy actually doing the "tasks". I know it sounds ridiculous but I am honestly terrified when my instructors (2 harsh women) criticize my every little move while completing a skill and I've broken down many times in the hallway or when returning home.

I want to be an amazing/tough nurse, but I feel overwhelmed by a CNA course with check-offs.. I feel like I want to die when I have to perform in front of my class (which is relatively small), and soon I have 3 random skills to do in front of the instructors which decides whether I can do my clinical rotation or not. I feel miserable when I go home and I have considered not continuing I hate the extreme stress and pressure I feel... Does that mean I wouldn't succeed in an RN program? What calms you down?

Thanks for your input!

[hookyarnandblanket]

My clinical instructor was a no nonsense, old school RN who was by the book. By the end of my clinicals, I appreciated her more than I could express. She made me a good CNA. Maybe that is what your instructors are doing. They probably see too many lazy students who aren't doing this because they feel called to do it but because it is their only option. You can't motivate people like that, but you can motivate and home those who want to be good.

Yes, tasks can get to the point it feels repetitive, but keep in mind, even RNs have to perform those tasks, too. They don't go away after you become a RN.

[Melzy]

Hi! I'm new to this, too. I have two bachelors in Genetics and Biochemistry... I worked in a research lab for 4 years and decided it wasn't for me. I am starting my CNA classes on August 15th and I feel... Well.. Nervous. Not sure why, I guess it's because I'm switching fields and it's all kind of new to me.

I know this is easier said than done, but you have to find confidence in yourself. You don't need validation from anyone if this is what you want to do or not. Only you can give yourself that validation. When someone is coming down hard on you, take the criticisms in a way you can approve and it's likely that you'll never see anyone in your CNA class again later, so don't worry about embarrassing yourself. Remember, this is YOUR career. YOUR life. Don't let nervousness rob you of that. Don't focus on what you do wrong, focus on what you do right. Try to stay positive and find your inner confidence and let it out. Let your personality shine!