Is it normal to feel like you suck?

Students General Students

Published

Hi. I'm in semester 2 of 4 in an accelerated second degree BSN program. And I feel like I suck at this. I try so hard, skills make me anxious, exams make me anxious, every week is like a struggle right now. I want to be a nurse, and even though graduation is about nine months away, it seems like I'll never get there.

I know I'm not the only one to feel anxious, but sometimes it feels like that. Is it just my peers don't wear their heart on their sleeve like I do? Is it possible to be too sensitive? I feel like I'll never gain the confidence other nurses have...

I'm really just asking for other people's input, maybe past experiences? I just feel really alone right now.

sjalv

897 Posts

Specializes in CVICU.

I am in my final semester of RN school and have never dropped an NG tube. I did an externship in the ER over this past winter break and I was having to ask the nurses to help me advance the catheter when starting IV's. It wasn't until this semester that I knew how to use an automatic blood pressure machine. In first semester, I couldn't attach temperature probe sheaths properly. In 3rd semester, I couldn't get the mortar & pestle to properly crush my patient's meds so I could give them through his PEG tube.

What is my point? Everything, from simple and obvious stuff to complex procedures, is new material to you. If you expect it to come easily to you, you'll be disappointed. Everyone is like this when they first start out. School is just the beginning. You'll still feel insufficient as a new grad. And more, even after being a nurse for 10-20 years, you'll still have days where you feel like you have no idea what is going on.

The absolute best thing a nursing student can do is to apply him/herself and give it their all. If you have the chance to do something you feel uncomfortable with, do it. If you don't know something, or need help, ask for it. I've never felt inadequate for asking a question, but the sense of dread that lingers for hours after not having asked a question that you know you should have .. is awful.

Ruby Vee, BSN

17 Articles; 14,030 Posts

Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
Hi. I'm in semester 2 of 4 in an accelerated second degree BSN program. And I feel like I suck at this. I try so hard, skills make me anxious, exams make me anxious, every week is like a struggle right now. I want to be a nurse, and even though graduation is about nine months away, it seems like I'll never get there.

I know I'm not the only one to feel anxious, but sometimes it feels like that. Is it just my peers don't wear their heart on their sleeve like I do? Is it possible to be too sensitive? I feel like I'll never gain the confidence other nurses have...

I'm really just asking for other people's input, maybe past experiences? I just feel really alone right now.

You're not the only one to feel anxious. I remember feeling so anxious I wanted to cry before each clinical and afterward, on my way home, trying to figure out everything I might have done wrong and how I should have done it differently. The classroom part came easily enough; the clinicals were horrible! When I did Peds, I was so anxious I'd have diarrhea all night the night before clinical and all day DURING clinical. Horrible!

Yes, it's possible to be too sensitive. And too anxious.

As you learn your skills, the anxiety will begin to pass. My first two years on the job were miserable, too. But I was stubborn and wouldn't quit. After nearly forty years, I can look back on a long and mostly happy, satisfying career. Good luck to you.

gzussu

37 Posts

When I was in school, I always felt this way. I felt I was terrible in clinicals. I always got tongue-tied and would freeze up when my clinical instructor asked me a question. I felt like I always goof up if my instructor was watching me from behind. I was always anxious at clinicals. I was terrible.

I have had two jobs the past 3 years. The first few months I started at each job, I felt that I was TERRIBLE at my job. I always questioned myself, my judgments, my interventions, etc. I would go home the first few months feeling like I had lost all confidence, completely inadequate, completely incompetent, that my co-workers judged the 'new' nurse, etc.

But it was all in my head. I was making myself feel that way. Looking back, I was never really that bad at clinicals. Yeah, I goofed a lot but I'm sure not worse than most students. I wasn't bad at my new job; I was unfamiliar and just still learning how things were done. I'm pretty solid as a psych nurse, despite only being 3 years in.

In school, I was just nervous. I turned out a'ight ;)

BreakRebuild

18 Posts

Be proud of yourself. The accelerated programs are in many ways a test of your personal drive and fortitude in addition to the actual material. To what I've heard most students who leave barely make it out of the first semester. You did it. You passed the steepest part of the hill and now its time to trudge on. I was in a program that taught patho over the summer in a four week semester along side Health Assessment and it was a nightmare. Hardest two weeks of my life, but if anything it makes you push yourself to find out what you can handle, what you can't, how you learn, how to spend time well, and when to just BREATHE.

You can do this, and it sounds like you have the tools to do so. You're aware of yourself, aware of the fact you're struggling, and you're doing what I believe to be one of the hardest things about school in general, knowing when to ask for help, guidance, or support. Confidence is important but it often comes with time. I'm sure most of your classmates are struggling too so they throw up a front of confidence. For some this helps, for others it comes with repercussions later. Don't compare yourself to them. Surround yourself with people who support you and make you feel good and trudge on!

+ Add a Comment