Somtimes I wonder -- "What the hell are you doing?"

[QuarterLife88, MSN, RN, NP]

Today was my first CPR class for the nursing program. I officially start classes in the Fall, though I do have Pharm right now. I'm doing great in Pharm, it's book learning, I'm good at that. I can spout out memorized info left and right when prompted, but today's CPR class brought up my insecurities. Hands on learning.

A big part of nursing is doing. Skills. You can know everything and be good at nothing. Won't get you very far in the program. I felt like an inept idiot in CPR class today, and completely rushed to get the skills down in about three hours' time. I had trouble with the breathing mask and holding it place while making the chest rise, as well as holding the mannequin's head back in proper position (instructor said I have small hands and that's part of my problem). I asked for extra help and that was given during a break time, but still would have liked more, but we quickly moved onto the next skill. I felt like such an idiot compared to my partner who seemed to have no trouble. I can watch and understand, but doing it, feeling watched, and judged makes me freeze/blank/look stupid.

I take this very seriously as technically I just got certified, and yet I feel as if I could help no one. I feel like a fraud. I'm also worried that, "well gee, if I can't feel confident at CPR, how will I make it through skills lab in nursing school where the instructors are much tougher?"

It made me question what the hell I'm doing in nursing school.

Anyone else felt this way/overcame these issues and became successful as a nurse?

[Boog'sCRRN246, RN]

I hate to break it to you, but you're probably going to feel like this for the entirety of nursing school and for at least a good year after you graduate, pass NCLEX, and start working. It's normal. It doesn't mean you're going to be a horrible nurse or that anyone else is going to think you're a horrible nurse.

[NCRNMDM, ASN, RN]

I think the first time you try a new skill you feel that way. The first time I certified in CPR I felt like I had no idea what I was doing. My hands are on the smaller side, and I too struggle with making and maintaining a patent seal when using the bag-valve mask for ventilation. All the subsequent times I certified in CPR, I felt much better about my skills, and I felt as though I really knew what I was doing. In a real code situation, your patient will probably be intubated, and if they aren't you can definitely have someone help you maintain a seal while you bag someone, or you can elect to do compressions or record events on the chart. Don't worry, you will become more comfortable with all the skills you perform with time. Just relax and take things as they come!

[ImThatGuy, BSN, RN]

CPR is a factory-like process. The instructors just sweep students through like cattle. Do you honestly think that you're going to remember what you learned in CPR for the next two years if you never see it done or hear of it spoken again? You won't. Bad CPR is better than no CPR. Push hard. Push fast. Be done with it.

All that said, new skills take time to master. I wouldn't worry about it. In healthcare you routinely are assessed in regards to hands on skills. Be in school. CEU courses. CPR, ACLS, PALS, etc. You learn to perform. You'll be shy for a while, but in the future take the reigns and make it your time.

And I really don't think any nursing skills are any tougher than CPR. There's nothing difficult about giving a shot, shoving a tube down someone's throat (unless they're trying to pull it out while you're doing it), or sticking a catheter up someone's urethra. The IVs are probably the hardest part, but even then the process of it isn't hard. You just have to be patient enough to observe for the signs. Monkeys could do the skills. In fact, I'd rather have a skill monkey to help me out. I'm more into knowing these days than doing.

[akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

What you're feeling is totally normal. CPR is like a any skill. You're going to feel uncomfortable at doing it at first. The more you do the practice, the better you'll get at it. It's kind of like driving. You were probably quite scared and excited about it at first. After a while, you know how to do it and it's just another task you perform when needed.

[kiszi, RN]

heck, i've renewed my CPR a few times now and still can't get a good seal with that stupid mask/dummy. Everyone I've heard from about this says it's much easier on a real person, if that's any consolation. Also, nursing school only teaches you the basic skills. You won't perfect those skills until you are on the job. You may not even get to perform some skills on a real person until after you graduate. No need to worry.

[JBudd, MSN]

I've been at it for 30 years. Done CPR and ACLS innumerable times (literally couldn't tell you how many codes I've been in on). Get good chest rise on patients when needed.

Last time I reupped, couldn't get a seal on that dang dummy for anything. Took forever. Don't sweat it.

FYI: I teach assessment, you'll get plenty of practice time in lab, and if not you can usually sign up for extra lab practice time. Chin up!