I feel like a fraud :((

[jcwhite23]

Hi everyone...I'm in my second semester of an associate program and am extremely shocked that I've made it this far. I honestly don't know what I'm doing most of the time. I can't get the hang of IV meds, can't remember anything from pharmacology class and fluids and electrolytes are like a foreign language to me. I feel like a fake and I'm so afraid that I'm going to kill a patient with my lack of knowledge. Help! I seriously feel like quitting everyday...anyone have any advice?

[missmollie, ADN, BSN, RN]

Why quit when you can just learn? Want to be a good nurse? Worried that you don't know what you need to know? Then go back and restudy (probably after this semester, of course) the material. I think it's great that you recognize that you don't completely understand something, but you can do something about it.

If you've made it this far, you are doing something right. Take it just one step further.

Best of luck!

[RN9742]

I'm graduating in May, I still don't feel like I know what I am doing half the time! But you know what, that's why I am there, to learn. From what everyone has told me, it takes a year or so for that feeling to go away, and really gain confidence. I don't worry nearly as much about those who question themselves, and are a lil slower, as I do those who go around like they know everything already. You know what they don't, and they are much more likely to be the ones to make a fatal mistake than the nurse who is humble.

[shantel1621]

It is commendable that you are honest enough with yourself to verbalize your weaknesses. I have never meet a nurse that didn't question his/her competences especially as a student/new nurse. What you need to do is seek help and guidance from your advisor/faculty member who will provide constructive feedback and support. With that said, if nursing is really where your heart is you will need to put in the work. Means that you may of to study more than the other students or stay behind after class to have things explain to you... if you don't make the effort to understand the concept of what is being taught no one will know until something detrimental happens. Instructors are usually very accommodating to student who shows interest in grasping the subject area and often will go out there way to help. You may also want to find a nurse and find out if it is ok to shadow them for a few weeks...please remember the only dumb question is the one you never ask, if you don't feel comfortable performing a task please ASK for help. Best of luck

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

people go to school to learn, not to demonstrate what they already know. I was totally stressed in nursing school too. It seemed like I was learning a new culture and new language at the same time. It gets better.

learned F&E (enough to pass tests) but did not really understand it for a long time after I was licensed. Good luck in whatever you choose.

[lele606]

We all have stressed out in Nursing school and felt as though sum courses were confusing! Just do enough to pass cause u won't remember everything and the best experience is hands on. After you get out there and do hands on I'm sure w/i 6 months you will feel differently and before you know it you be explaining things easy to other students! So don't think you are a failure or alone that's just life! You made it this far and you know your weakness so that's good cause sum people. Can't admit to that! Hang in there

[Nolli]

You are not alone. I too have felt the same way at times, but it does sink in over time as you see it again in another class or clinical. If you feel like you want to try a few review questions per day to not only help you go over the content again, but help you prepare for the NCLEX without being a huge time sink.

[ArrowRN, BSN, RN]

hahaha I'm in 4th semester and sometimes feel like I don't got a clue either. What's pharmacology?

[Jasel, BSN, RN]

Trust me you're going to learn a lot on the job and continue to learn throughout your career. Don't feel too bad, when I went into my first nursing job I felt like I knew nothing. Turns out I just didn't know a lot lol, but I was always learning so it got better.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

You're right on track. The more you understand, the more you realize how much you do not know. Wisdom requires humility - knowing that you don't have answers, but you do know where to look and how to learn.

The scariest type of nurse is one who believes that she knows everything.

[jcwhite23]

Thanks everyone for responding! You guys have all made me feel better and it definitely helps to know that I'm not alone in feeling this way :)))

[SunshineDaisy, ASN, RN]

I just started working as an RN and I feel like I have learned nothing in school! I get so overwhelmed sometimes, but stop and take a breath and refocus. I know I'm not expected to know everything!