Am I going to be a bad nurse?

BrandyBSN · Sep 20, 2001

Absolutely. You are going to be a terrible nurse, drop out immediately! :)

No!!! This is a very reasonable fear. Those who are cautious are the ones least-likely to make mistakes. All of us have worried that we will drop someone, or do something wrong, hurt a patient, but that all eases with practice and time. I am working in the CCU tonight, its my first night there, and I am a little worried, but I know that as long as I am cautious, keep my ears and eyes open, everything will work out. Fears are very natural, and motivate us to be better, and be more careful. You will be fine!!! And yes, everything in life takes practice to gain confidence. When I was a CNA, I lifted a patient incorrectly, and almost slid them clean off the bed! Luckily, My legs are strong, so I could correct what my arms were lacking (my arms are quite a bit stronger now than they were then). It cared the CRAP out of me!!! But, it made me MUCH more cautious, and i never forget to check and make sure the wheels of the bed are locked now. it just takes time :) Relax, be sharp, and you will be an excellent nurse :)

Good Luck!

BrandyBSN

peaceful2100, BSN, RN · Sep 20, 2001

This sort of go along with what Brandy said but I will share with you my story from my first semester of nursing school last semester. I was so nervous and really, extremely cautious in everything I do. My instructors said I will do just fine and they were right I made it through my first semester and now I am into my second semester. My instructor told me first semester during a skill check off that she does worry about everyone but it is not the student who is nervous and cautious that she worries about most it is the student who thinks they know it all or almost all and does not think through what they are doing that she worries about most. I am still a little nervous but each and every day I am getting better and better and better. I am still cautious but that is important because you do not want to be careless. Some people including myself often do not have a lot of faith in themselves to begin with, they are constantly second guessing themselves and think that they cannot do this. Well I feel I can do this, and I feel anyone else who have it in their hearts to do well and work hard at it then they can do it too.

pixxel · Sep 20, 2001

Suzanne,

I know exactly how you feel - I have a very similar problem... I'm not afraid of dropping a patients, and I think I can handle just about anything - but when it comes down to certain things like later stage bed-sores and certain types of wounds, I just want to cry. I've actually had to walk out of a room while assisting with a dressing change because I couldn't handle it. It constantly makes me wonder if I'm really going to be able to be a good nurse.

99% of the nurses in my unit have said that everyone has a fear that they have to overcome or learn to cope with in the first few years, and that it doesn't make you a bad nurse. One especially kind nurse told me that I'll probably be extra attentive to things like this when I finish school simply because of my sensitivity to it. I'm sure the same applies to you.

Oh - and I have to admit that I'm dealing with it much better day after day, and wonder about being a bad nurse or CNA much less often.

I think you'll be an absolutely wonderful nurse.

janleb · Sep 20, 2001

Always use proper body mechanics. If you have any questions about what the pt is able to do, ask another aid, rn even the pt is a great source of what they are able to do. If there is any question in your mind just ask for help, I would rather aggravate a fellow emplyee than have to explain how my pt ended up on the floor with a broken hip.

Another idea if you have a friend practice with them, have them walk and fall and you bring them down to the floor safely. In moving the elderly, use draw sheets. Have them help you, tell them what they need to do.

In closing save your own back.....or your nursing career will be a short one.

larae09 · Sep 20, 2001

Its good to know I am not completely alone. I guess I mostly just need practice and time. *S* Thanks!!

trishfish · Sep 21, 2001

I know how you feel. I HATE geriatrics. Better yet, I HATE NURSING HOMES. I just do not like taking care of old people. I have worried and worried that I will be a bad nurse. Most of our clinical time has been spent in Nursing homes and Skilled care units (old people with broken hips). I was almost to the point of quiting because I thought I was going to be a bad nurse because I did not enjoy taking care of the elderly. One of my teachers made me feel better by telling me that I would settle down into the field of nursing I like. I now know I want to work in OB, OR or ER. That is just what TOOTS my horn.

Relax, you will find your music eventually.

Tricia