Afraid I'm not going to cut it

[TerpGal02]

I had my first skills checkoff today. Bed bath/making an occupied bed. I was SO sooooooooooo nervous, and I felt like a bumbling fool the entire time. No self confidence whatsoever. I passed, but the person who checked me off (he's the lab manager) DEF noticed my nerves and kind of jokingly told me to not be so nervous. I can't be like this all the time or I am never going to make it through clinical. I know part of my nerves had to do with the fact that it was my first checkoff and had no idea what to expect, plus I didnt really know the lab manager and he's kind of intimidating. I need some advice. How do you guys calm your nerves?

[BellasMommyOBRN]

oooo check offs! i still get nervous, and i'm in my second semester! i find that clinical is much more relaxed for me:)

[mammac5]

Know that almost everyone goes through the same deal with check-offs. When I was partnered with another student for our complete assesssment check-off, I almost couldn't understand what she was saying to me because her voice was so shaky! I was trembling so hard you could see it from across the room! Something about know another person is watching your every move and is going to have to mark you down for every mistake you make...that's pressure.

Look at the bright side: At least you know you really care about nursing or you wouldn't even care about doing well on your check-offs!