Have you ever been paralyzed by fear?

allnurses Guide · Nov 29, 2011

Yep. Was petrified when I started. Graduating end of next week. You can do it!! Tell those nasty internal voices to shut up and get out of your way! :)

cjoy55 · Nov 29, 2011

I start in January and am terrified. It really didnt hit me until recently but last night I could barely sleep with all the what ifs. I think the same things...not smart enough...memory...confidence etc. We just got to get in there and do our best :)

CordaeP · Nov 30, 2011

I am feeling the same way. I start in Janurary. I ask my self will I be able to remember everything. There is so much that rns do. When I was in the hospital or visiting someone I see all the different types of equipments and meds that they use. Also I wonder will I have enough energy to do this long term. Will I pass the NEXCL. My biggest worry is will I be able to make it thru an interview to get a job. I have not done to many interviews in my life maybe 3 With our economy will there even be jobs.

allnurses Guide · Nov 30, 2011

No, none of you will remember everything. But if you study hard you will remember enough and learn a whole, whole lot. Yes, nursing is hard on the body. I recommend starting to get your core in shape if is isn't already just to help with the back aches that do come. But you are NOT too old to do this (I am 41). The majority of my class are in their 30s and 40s. Our oldest student is 55. We all graduate next week. :) Be nervous - that's ok. But don't get petrified. Too many have done it to entertain the fear that you won't or can't. You can~

LegalQuiltMom · Nov 30, 2011

Thank you, not.done.yet. Your words mean a lot.

rn4me2be · Nov 30, 2011

I'm 44 and got accepted to start in January. I'm nervous too, but I did well in prereqs so I'm confident!! You'll do great!! :)

jadedjane, ASN, RN · Nov 30, 2011

Wow! LegalQuiltMom, I could copy and past your original post and plug in my age (close to yours) and it would be my own thoughts. I had all of those "what ifs" when I started. I'm graduating on Tuesday, so I DID survive :). Without minimizing your feelings, I can assure you that pretty much every other classmate has similar fears.

I'll address each question:

What if I am not smart enough? Of course you are smart enough! Getting in to nursing school is NOT easy. Now is your chance to apply some critical thinking to all that stuff you learned before getting in.

What if my memory isn't good enough? Memorizing works with something like anatomy or even pharmacology. Most of your exams will challenge your ability to to understand basic pathophysiology, application of nursing process, patient safety, and critical thinking. All of these require you to know some core concepts. You will have to memorize some lab values, some baseline numbers for hemodynamic and ICP monitoring, and some pharm. But once you start using them in clinical practice memorizing becomes "knowing".

What if I can't do patient care or don't like patient care? You don't know until you try. You may feel uncomfortable in the beginning, and that can cloud your experience if you let it. Assessments in the first semester were tough (not being familiar and confident with my heart and lung sounds). Here is a total stranger, and you - the student - are going to look at every inch of their body and examine every body system. You will have to clean up vomit, feces, urine, and blood - and not react with anything but kindness and concern for the patient. You won't love everything about patient care, but you will love knowing that the patient is in better condition, more comfortable, and safer.

I am a slow learner and the clinical setting (even now) is a new environment. That gave way to some of the worst "pangs" of clinical anxiety. Every shift I would go through my own mental checklist, take a deep breath, and get started. No matter how tough my clinical anxiety was I knew that I could leave that day having learned something.

I hope this helps. I don't want to sugar coat the reality nursing school and make it seem easier than it is, but I don't want to frighten you either. It is "do-able". I have 2 daughters (same age as yours) and managed a bakery / restaurant full time while doing NS. I just recently quit (in the last 6 weeks of school) because I got assigned to nights during my preceptorship. You can do it!! :)

LegalQuiltMom · Nov 30, 2011

Thank you, JadedDiane. I need to print your response and post it someplace to help me remember once clinicals start. You didn't scare me at all. I appreciate your honesty and taking the time to respond.

Each response on here makes me a feel better and better.

On my Christmas Wish List I asked for a trip to see the Wizard of Oz so I could ask for Brains and Courage. My sister's response: "Don't you remember, the Wizard can't give you anything you don't already have. They're in there!"

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Nov 30, 2011

I was 45 when I started nursing school. I was petrified too. Time cures a lot of issues.

vagirl76 · Dec 2, 2011

Omg Yes Yes Yes! I was so scared I lost my appetite when it was almost time to start, I was always on this site trying to read any and everything about Lpn School, and I still question how well Ill do when I get to the second half. But I started in Sept of this year and so far my lowest grade has been an 86. Most grades were in the 90's. You can do it! Just study and you will be fine.

Isitpossible, LPN, LVN · Dec 2, 2011

Oh god yes- I too could have written those words myself!! I too started a BSN program 2 1/2 years ago at 38 years YOUNG!! lol.... I cant believe Im in my last 2 weeks of school. Please try and relax (i know easier said then done)...Good luck and congrats to all of you!!!!