About to graduate and feeling incompetant!!

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So I am about to enter my very last quarter of nursing school and I feel like there is still so much I have yet to learn!

I am passionate about taking care of people and love what I do, but I really lack confidence.

The idea of having patients lives in my hands terrifies me!! Is this normal? I'm ready to graduate and I'm terrified!!

It doesn't help that some nurses make you feel so stupid or like you're such a bother when you ask questions.

Can someone please give me advice or tell me if this is normal?

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Specializes in critical care ICU.

Congrats on almost being done :up:. Self doubt is so common at this point. I just graduated in August, and I was just issued my RN license today! I'm still looking at the words "Registered Nurse" with apprehension. There's so much responsibility that goes into that title. I feel like my next goal is to PROVE I deserve the RN. NCLEX didn't prove to anyone that I deserve to be a nurse.

I was so lacking confidence in my first clinicals. Like you, I really enjoy taking care of other people, so in order to lower my anxiety when delivering patient care I focused on building a relationship with them. Trusting patient means I can breathe easier. When I breathe easier, I work better. When I work better, the patient trusts me even more.

Remember that you are part of a healthcare TEAM. The patient's life is in your hands, but your hands are joined with others who can help you too. I'm sorry if I went all over the place with my thought...I'm trying to figure out how to write an application essay for a BSN...and am having zero luck :no:

You'll do great though! The last semester goes so quick.

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Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.

This is absolutely, positively normal. There is SO, SO much that you will learn just on the job, during your first year or two of being a nurse. Listen, learn, take notes, NEVER be afraid to ask questions... you are going to be fine!!!! :)

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Specializes in Skilled Nursing.

That's a normal feeling we all have went through it. Nursing is a never ending world of learning so do not hesitate to ask! Congrats on entering your last quarter of school! You can do it!

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
The idea of having patients lives in my hands terrifies me!!

Gee, now I'm scared. I never realized I had anybody's life in my hands.

Just kidding.

I admire your addressing your fears, meredith. Fear is a great motivator in an endeavor to feel comfortable in a situation. We get to feeling comfortable by gaining a sense of control over our environment. That control is achieved through knowledge and experience and repetition.

Sooooo, you're in the process of gaining information which needs to be a lifelong endeavor, and soon you'll get some more experience outside of your clinicals. Repetitive experience in the orientation and practicing process will eventually lead you comfort. Then, when a Patient's well-being is truly contingent on decisions you make, you will be ready for it.

But don't worry, meredith. Most times you won't be alone.

The best to you.

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Thank you so much for your words of encouragement! It definitely makes me feel better knowing I'm not alone in these feelings. And congrats on becoming an RN... Such an accomplishment. Best of luck in your future!!

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This is absolutely, positively normal. There is SO, SO much that you will learn just on the job, during your first year or two of being a nurse. Listen, learn, take notes, NEVER be afraid to ask questions... you are going to be fine!!!! :)

OMG!!! Thank you. I needed that!

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Thanks for the encouragement. You made my day :)

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Awesome words of wisdom! Thanks for taking the time to offer these words of encouragement. I truly appreciate it. Means a lot.

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
Awesome words of wisdom! Thanks for taking the time to offer these words of encouragement. I truly appreciate it. Means a lot.

Thanks for the positive replies, meredith!

Just an FYI, at the bottom of each post is a "quote" button where you can quote the poster and then add a reply so readers know to who you are responding.

And, if you like the post, there's a "like" button, also!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Yes, a lack of confidence is normal. It will come with time and experience.

Meanwhile, you've gotta fake it until you make it when you are a new nurse. Patients can pick up on nervousness and lack of confidence and will rip you to shreds if you are bumbling around them. As always, ask questions when unsure.

Good luck to you!

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Specializes in NICU.

Fear is good. It keeps you focused on keeping your patients safe. Lack of fear in a new grad is a very dangerous thing. For every 1 person posting on here about unhelpful co-workers, there are 10 that fail to post because they have helpful coworkers and don't feel the need to vent.

Every new grad has a "code brown" in their pants when they are on their own for the first time. You will overcome your fears, just like every other new grad that has come before you. Every one of your future coworkers has been in your spot and had the exact same feelings.

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