Accepted into NS and scared!

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Hello all. I was accepted into NS and will start in January. I have a HUGE fear that once I am a nurse I will make mistakes or forget something that could cost someone their life. Is this a common fear among nurses? Do they teach you how to deal with that in NS?

Thanks!

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Yes, it is probably the most common fear. If you didn't have this fear, you probably would be a dangerous nurse. In nursing school, you will be taught the correct way to do things. By following the correct procedure, you can avoid most mistakes. However, everyone makes mistakes because we're human; you just hope that you don't make any serious mistakes. Just study hard and you'll do fine. Best of luck to you.

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Specializes in critical care.

I can't offer any advice, but I can tell you I know how you are feeling! I actually started the intro nursing course at my community college a few years ago but dropped out after one week. I told everyone it "didn't feel right," but deep down I was just scared.

I start again next summer (possibly in an Accelerated BSN program), and this time I am prepared to face that anxiety head on! Lots of nurses will tell you that the fear is normal, especially once you graduate. One way to look at it--we are ahead of the game. By learning to control our anxiety in the beginning, we can put those coping skills to good use later in our education and careers!

-Katee :cool::redpinkhe

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Thanks guys. I guess it would be a common fear considering we hold lives in our hands. I don't know what I would do if I ever made a deadly mistake. I guess I will put these fears aside and just live my dream!

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Don't worry. I am in my first semester of nursing school. I can't speak for all nursing schools out there, but we really were not able to do much more than CNA work in our first semester. I have two more weeks of clinicals left, and I barely was able to give my first shot last week (subcutaneous in the abdomen). I also can give out PO (by mouth) meds, but have only been approved for that a few weeks ago. For the first month or so, we did a lot of hygiene, etc. as they eased us into everything. I also had to give the shot and the meds with my instructor and it had to be double checked by the nurse. This, I know, is the standard practice in all nursing schools. Don't worry. You have a skills lab where you learn the skills that you will be using in clinicals. It is good to be scared. I am scared every week when I do my clinical, but I always leave feeling great. It is a weird feeling. I am usually a calm person, but nursing school has brought out some anxiety in me! You really can kill someone, even by just putting the head of a bed down on someone who is on a feeding tube and is on aspiration precautions. However, you will be on the look out for this, because they will hammer it into you in class. Safety comes first. Good luck to you, and congratulations on getting into nursing school!!! It's good to have some fear. It will make you more careful. Just don't let your fear paralyze you. Always ask and offer to do anything you can while you are at the hospital. You will learn a lot.

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Specializes in Peds Medical Floor.

Congratulations on being accepted into school! And yes it's normal to be nervous. You will also be nervous when you start your first job. Just always check and recheck if you are unsure of something and don't be afraid to question something or ask questions.

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Specializes in ED.

Recent grad (this year) and new RN here...

I would be worried about you if you weren't scared.

But don't worry...you will have your hand held during clinicals and not allowed to make a mistake.

Even after school, in your first job (at least at a hospital), there is residency / mentoring / preceptorship (whatever your local peeps call it). Depending on the facility, residency usually lasts 90 days, or more if needed. Your preceptor guides you fully in the beginning, and only stands back (though still paying attention) as s/he feels you are ready.

So, be scared - it makes you pay attention. Just not so scared that you won't move forward. An never, *ever* be afraid to ask questions or ask for help!

Congratulations and good luck in your new career.

DC, ED RN :)

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Congratulations on being accepted :)

I remember that being my biggest fear in second year of uni... studied like a maniac... and then forgot most of it haha in holidays.

Lucky it was easier to learn/remember when placement happened.

You will be fine :) Good luck!!

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You sure are 'Achieving your Dreams' and Congrats! Speak with an experienced Health Professional regarding your fear/anxiety, and some tips on coping mechanism and Professional development. Once you have semi-master your feelings you'll be much more confident in the long run. Other then that you'll be alright.

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I feel the same way. Im scared about not being able to handle nursing school too. I start the LPN in January.

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Specializes in LTC, Rehab.

Hey, I'm only in nursing school myself (in middle age), and as someone else said, if you DIDN'T have that fear it would be bad. I think if you're detail-oriented, conscientious, and will ask more experienced people when you're not sure of something, you (and hopefully I) will do fine.

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This IS my dream. And I know it's what I am meant to do. I'm glad I have the fear so I will be more aware. Thanks everyone for the reassurance.

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