Do you ever question if your a good nurse?

[taralopez]

I am a new nurse and have worked as an LPN for two years I plan on going to get my RN in the next year and a half I still need to take some classes. The problem is I am always judging myself questioning if I have what it takes to be a good nurse. I care about others and love helping people which is why I chose this profession. Unfortunately I have had anxiety and depression since I was 12 so it's something I have always dealt with I take medicine and go to therapy but I need some tips on how to increase my confidence!

[Nikki0727]

I'm the same exact way!!! I have really bad anxiety and depression... I care deeply for just about everyone! Sometimes I think that me caring so much is s problem. I've only had my license for a year but been a working for 5 months. I'm always second guessing myself..asking my coworkers to listen to my patients to see if we hear the same thing.

[taralopez]

It is hard for this not to discourage you nursing is my passion I just have to remember that. Do you take medicine for your anxiety and depression ?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I am a new nurse and have worked as an LPN for two years

Becoming a good nurse takes time. With the accrual of time, experience and confidence, you will be a good nurse. Just keep asking questions and use every moment as a learning opportunity. Good luck to you!

[emt2lpn2]

Exactly as The Commuter said, it takes time an experience. I asked a lot of questions and I jumped on any thing that required new education. Go to conferences, look for classes on the novice nurse that helps expand your skill set, and must of all find a "MENTOR", that is seasoned and you trust. This will help you with new knowledge and when you have questions you won't feel like you are asking stupid questions. Keep your head up and enjoy helping others, before you know it you will be preventing others.

[qhjumper]

Agree, give it time. I work a 140 bed facility and it's very nice. That being said the supervisors and upper mngmt leave some to be desired and it's very political. Often you get no back up and of course I consult my co-workers when I'm unsure but bottom line is you have to learn to trust your gut (and your brain). If you suspect pneum order a chest x-ray, if it's late and you feel like a resident is crashing, send them out. Of course you will be wrong once in a while but my motto is CYA and better safe than sorry! With time you gain knowledge but you also have to trust yourself and be confident!

[vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN]

I'm fortunate to have an awesome DON who has encouraged me to be confident because she says that I think critically.

I'm not sure what I've done to make her think this, except that I apply what I've Iearned in my many years if school to my work.

I'm a mom. I worked as a CNA, I have worked in supervisory positions before (non medical)

A dear friend in nursing school told me, "fake it till u make it". I try to do this. It's working, so far, as a new grad employed for 9 months.

Sometimes I feel like an awesome nurse, sometimes, not so much. But, it's working for me... I think, as I am still employed and people at work seem to respect me and my clinical knowledge.