Accepted into NS and scared!

[HippieGypsyGirl]

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!

[Nissan350z]

I know exactly what you mean by fear/anxiety!

I'm worried that I'll forgot to give medications to patients on time. Is there some system they use to remind you?

[mfrancisco]

You can't give medications until you pass the appropriate exam. After that, you cannot give meds without your instructor. My instructor makes us tell her what the meds are, what they are for, and the side effects, or else we cannot give the medications. Also, the nurse assigned to the patient has to open the place where the meds are stored and has to sign off that she checked it. It is the RN's patient and his/her license is on the line, so they are going to make sure that, if you are the one giving the meds, that they were given. All of the meds are listed on the medication administration record, and the time that they should be given is listed. Nothing is guaranteed, and I know mistakes can be made, but being that you are a student, people are watching you, and there is a limit to what you can do.

Don't worry. They ease you into things in school. It's good to be scared, and I know how you feel. I gave meds and a subcutaneous shot for the first time a few weeks ago, and I was really nervous, and checked like a hundred times. My instructor was quite amused. You'll be okay!!! Good luck to you!

[HippieGypsyGirl]

Thanks everyone. These posts are helping me realize that I'll have help at first.