Anxiety and Doubt

knittygrittyRN, MSN, RN · Mar 16, 2012

Honestly I try to find a way to have the stress motivate me to become better. I'm not going to lie there's probably a hundred times a day (especially around mid-terms and finals) where I worry and wonder whether or not I can do this, and what will happen when I make a mistake etc. I've had some teachers throughout my schooling so far that were rude and that I felt were belittling and difficult. But as much of a pain as it was, I knew it was forcing me to be a better nurse. Even when I was up late doing med cards or whatever for clinical I knew ultimately it was for the best and that I was better off then some students who got 'easy' teachers.

As silly as it sounds make time for yourself and take breaks often. Take an hour or two for yourself, and then go back and do some more work. It's okay to be cautious in clinical (and personally I think you're better off some girls are so gung-ho and I think they're the ones more likely to jeopradize patient safety by over confidence). And get a great cheering section, have friends and family that support you pick you up when you're down. I can't even begin to say how many times I've gotten so upset over an exam and then realized I did great. But I think if I didn't have people who supported me I probably would have dropped out a while ago. Meet people at school I'm sure most of them are feeling the same way but are afraid to express it. Your classmates will have gone through the same things as you, and they can be invaluable in understanding what you're going through.

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Mar 16, 2012

It does get better. What worked for me was to take time for myself and family/friends. If you let nursing school consume you then it will. It will cause you to stress out and feel overwhelmed. Take breaks between studying. Reward yourself often after completing a large assignment or after studying. Go see a counseling may help as well.

Hang in there. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Mar 16, 2012

Nursing school is stressful and so is actual nursing. It all gets better once you gain confidence and you gain confidence by practicing. You are no worse as a student than any other student at your level. We all had to learn. The trick is being proactice and asking questions and putting forth a good effort. Good luck in your decision.

Merlyn · Mar 16, 2012

Hello Everyone-
I'm hoping some of you can offer your thoughts and advice. I've been taking prereqs the last few years and planning to be a nurse. I started an ADN program in January and decided to withdraw a couple weeks ago. I am already feeling like I made the wrong choice.
I only had clinicals a few days and I was so anxious. I don't have a problem talking with patients so thats not the issue. I feel nervous thinking about the what ifs....some of the patients are so sick and I was afraid of making mistakes. Also, kept thinking would I know what to do and react well in an Emergency. I went to the hospital to pick my patient the day before clinicals, went home made med cards, filled out my prep form, etc. Then I had this overwhelming feeling like this isn't for me and I don't know what I'm doing. I really feel like I let my fear and being out of my comfort zone get to me.
How do you deal with the stress of nursing school? The anxiety mixed with the stress of so many deadlines and not enough time in the day? Have any of you withdrawn and then went back to try again? Do you know anyone that's done this? I have wanted to be a nurse for the longest time. I was getting A's and B's on everything and doing well. I just let the stress and anxiety get the best of me.

We all have the what if's but most of us do not think about it. If the schooling is making you sick just think what will happen when you are out on the floor alone. Think hard before you commit yourself to more sturdy. Nursing is a damn hard job. what ever you read on this board. You hold the power of life and death in your hands. Can you take the pressure? Just asking.