Do you guys feel like...

[allthingsbright]

You will never make it through nursing school? I am doing well grade wise and in clinical, but I am so unsure of myself--everything seems very intense and I wonder how I will ever learn everything I need to in order to make it as a nurse. I keep hearing horror stories about NEXT semester and I am not even half way into this one. I am freaking out...

I guess I just wonder if I am the only one out there feeling like a big loser--like someone is going to find out and tell me I can't cut it. I fake it really well in clinical and look confident and calm, but inside I am so scared! I have these moments when I am starting an IV or a cath where I feel like I am looking on in disbelief that I am doing all this stuff...oh, and the IV thing is HAARD!! AGH!

Ok, thanks for letting me freak out here...

Wish me luck!

[rnsrgr8t]

I have been a nurse for 8 years (I am now a PNP) and I can reassure all of you that it is totally normal to be nervous and scared. I have good news and bad news. The good news is that the longer you are out there, the more confidence you will get. The bad news is that, if you are a good nurse, there will always be some level of nervousness for as long as you continue to work. I feel that is a good thing. You need to have a healthy fear of what you are doing on a day to day basis as people's lives are in your hands. It will keep you on your toes, make you double (sometimes triple) check things and help you catch subtle signs of detioriation on your assessment. ALL of us have learned to "fake" being calm on the outside while you are screaming on the inside during a stressful situation. That is a good skill to have. Learn as much as you can, listen to your instructors, take all constructive criticism and take a deep breath. You will all be fine! Good Luck!

[AuntieRN]

I think that is how nursing school is supposed to make you feel...I know thats how I felt every semester....but I made it through and you will too!! Try not to listen to what you hear about the following semesters. Remember everyone perceives things in their own ways. Does not mean it will be the same for you when you get there. I think nursing students are supposed to feel unsure of themselves to a certain point otherwise they get too cocky and start making unneccessary mistakes and are unable to learn. Good luck to everyone in nursing school I really feel for yall.