Not sure of myself anymore...

[cccormier]

Hi,

I am entering my first year as a nursing (BScN) student this fall and I'm suddenly worried I won't have the necessary skills or strength to be nurse (or a good one at least). I usually don't have doubts about my decision to enter this profession, and I certainly have not lost the passion for it. But today in my First Aid/CPR class (HCP level), I felt so lost!!! I listened the whole time and even wrote notes, but somehow a lot of things being thought would not stick with me! I just went blank under pressure and found it difficult to "act the part" or follow all the right steps under pressure. I know that most nurses have a LOT of pressure in their everyday lives, and I don't know if this is something that will get easier for me...

I'm also naturally nervous/awkward around other people I don't know, and so I often make a fool out of myself as a first impression. I felt so embarrassed today. I know this does not sound like a big deal, but I feel so overwhelmed....... can I overcome this with time?

Does something eventually just "click" and things get easier (in stressful situations, or under pressure)??

Thank you for any response/advice.

[27400]

Sounds like my first experience getting BCLS certified. Nursing school usually requires you to take it every year so you'll get use to it sooner or later.

[firstlight]

It get's easier with time and experience. It becomes automatic. But as I have said this will

occur over time. Give yourself a break and enjoy the learning

[Just A Wanderer]

I'm not in nursing school yet but I can relate to you in that I am also very nervous and awkward around other people (I have social anxiety) and I also fear that I won't be a good future nurse (for a variety of reasons) - however, I also know that ANYTHING new and unknown triggers my anxiety but that the anxiety lessens as time passes and with practice. I'm sure that you will become more comfortable as you progress through the nursing program - I know people who are in nursing school right now who share the same feelings and fears as you so don't worry, there are so many other students who can relate!

[4_Sq]

Stop & think about it.. everyone else is a learner too!... Take it from the voice of experience just give a hoot about your own learning experience.. do not worry about what others are thinking of you.. it doesn't matter.. get rid of that unfounded fear.. it interferes with your learning. And, CPR/First Aid.. does have to be practiced to be perfect.. no one usually gets it right the first time.

Go easy on yourself.. nursing is a profession that is learned, that is why you are going to university for it.. and none of the others are nurses yet either.. You are all newbies.. it will soon be "Old Hat" and you will wonder why you were nervous!!

[snowyowl, BSN]

In my first year I was so terrifed too, trust me you will become a pro. You will learn how to interact with strangers and feel less awkward. Experience makes it much better!

[globalRN]

don't worry...i was shy and quiet too,

Time and experience will coax u out of your shell

[Fancypants09]

I think this happens with EVERYONE, to varying degrees. You sound young, and that's good! It means you have all your years ahead of you to learn and become accustomed to your environment, and meeting strangers will become easier the more you are exposed to it, believe me. You aren't the first to go through this experience, certainly not the last!

[canadauk]

I was the same.....but I survived two years of post grad nursing and I got better each day. But now I have been out of nursing for 5 years and wondering if to go back and all the nervous, shyness has come back especially as I am in a new country!

Stick with it....you will do fine and your confidence will grow :)

[ButtonNose]

I am like you and some of the other members as well, I am very awkward and shy around new people or places and sometimes do really stupid things because I'm so anxious. I thrive is situations that are consistent and with people that I know. Having said that, and working as a RN, I can say that things will get better. You have yet to start your program and see/learn what being a nurse is really about! When you meet other students and in your program and having clinical placements with other medical professionals and patients/families, you will see that things will become easier and more comfortable. Do not get discouraged by your experience at first aid... you have not even started your program yet and learned the vocab, definitions, actions and thinking associated with nursing. It will come and you will see how great you'll feel and more confident you will be =)