Am I the only one?

AppyHorseFan · Sep 12, 2002

i have lost my confidence. i feel like an imposter when we are in clinicals, even though i feel good about the skills in lab.
is this normal? please tell me i'm not the only one.
thank you for "listening". hopefully, as we build in clinicals i will become more confident. but, right now i'm beginning to question this whole thing.

yes, this is normal if you've never worked in this type of setting. i have felt the same way...and still do about things i've never done on a patient and some things that i've only done once or twice. i have yet to start an iv on a patient and i am scared to death to try it. i've inserted only one f/c in a female. as you do more of your skills on a human, you will become more comfortable. the instructors shouldn't expect you to be "perfect" at it the first time...that's why they are there with you until you become comfortable and more proficient at each task.

i'm sure you'll do well. don't give up!!! good luck to you this semester and keep us informed as to how things are going.

shonda

:nurse:

dianacs · Sep 12, 2002

I've just started too, and I feel like a big fake. Will I ever think that vital signs are no big deal? But other people in my class feel the same way I do, so I know I'm not the only one. We've just got to hang in there!!!

kelligrl · Sep 12, 2002

It'll get better. I'm almost done (3 more months) and for real, I finally feel a bit more NORMAL about all of it. Sounds weird, but the only way I can describe it. You'll hear the weird heart sounds, and know what the labs mean, and (holy h**l) actually be able to read the MD's writing!! LOL!:chuckle It gets better. Promise...Don't give up!!

jschut, BSN, RN · Sep 12, 2002

Oh my goodness...

I've graduated and still feel like a fake! :)

Have faith in yourself, you'll do fine....

jrock233 · Sep 12, 2002

I remember feeling the same way asking all the same questions: am I suppose to be here, am I doing this right, is everyone else getting it and I'm not. Just try and stay focused and ask as many questions as you need to and you will be alright. Also come here and vent it helps.

Tim

subec · Sep 12, 2002

Thank you all very much for your positive responses.

I hate not having confidence in myself----it really sucks.

I really appreciate all of the support that is on this board----everyone is amazing.

Well, I have to go study. I hope everyone has a great evening.

Mkue · Sep 12, 2002

Originally posted by subec
Thank you all very much for your positive responses.

I hate not having confidence in myself----it really sucks.

I really appreciate all of the support that is on this board----everyone is amazing.

Well, I have to go study. I hope everyone has a great evening.

Sending confident thoughts your way !!

Have a good evening too:)

Love-A-Nurse · Sep 12, 2002

(((((hugs))))).

subec · Sep 18, 2002

I just had to share---

All of our clinical instructors have been telling us that the people from the hospitals have been complimenting us (patients included). So, I guess we aren't doing so bad after all---especially if the patients aren't complaining. LOL

Take care all, and have a great evening.

Mkue · Sep 18, 2002

Originally posted by subec
I just had to share---

All of our clinical instructors have been telling us that the people from the hospitals have been complimenting us (patients included). So, I guess we aren't doing so bad after all---especially if the patients aren't complaining. LOL

Take care all, and have a great evening.

Great News !!!

Have a good evening too ! :nurse:

Nurse K-Bear · Sep 18, 2002

Confidence comes with experience just remember to keep your goal in mind>>>>> :nurse: !

I am a RN student as well. I work as a LPN while I go to school and have been told by my coworkers and have seen confindence in my self increase as I became more comfortable in the clinical setting and learned to take time out for myself and relax. Stress definately decreases my confidence so I try not to stay stressed for to long. (Easier said then done!)

Good luck:)