Anxiety

Hello,

I am a current nursing student and have very bad anxiety for skills check off and simulations. My mind just goes blank, have no idea how I am going to do in actual clinical setting. I know my things but et all disorganized with my check of routine and assesment when my anxiety goes up, which is always when I am even suppose to talk in front of people. ... I do ok with theory and testing ...but not assesment/clinicals.. Any ideas/tips? I was told there was an herb supplement to calm nerves, but forgot the name. Any of you have any useful tips/suggestions? I appreciate any feedback.

SierraMoon, ADN, BSN, RN · Mar 9, 2016

Valerian root is probably the herbal supplement. Have you thought about a beta blocker? Other than that, practice a lot. I think I completed entire check-offs without a thought in my head, just because I had practiced enough that I did not have to think very much.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Mar 9, 2016

Practice, Practice, Practice . . . using a checkoff list with a patient person who can be trusted to provide you with honest feedback

Also, you may want to explore "grounding" techniques to decrease anxiety such as controlled breathing, visualization, etc. If you Google, there are many self-help techniques out there. Much better than relying on chemical/pharmaceutical crutches.

Performance anxiety is a natural response to any type of 'high stakes' situation where there is a lot riding on your performance. It's going to happen a lot in our profession, even after you're well established in your practice. But by then, you will have mastered your own techniques for mastering the jitters. It may be as simple as taking 10 deep and controlled breaths.

You can do this!!

oceanblue52 · Mar 10, 2016

Gotta echo the other two posters and just keep practicing! Do assessments on any willing friends. Take that foley kit out at home and go through the simulated steps as many times as you need to feel comfortable. Head-to-toe is very landmark based, so come up with a system to make sure you don't forget anything. Similarly, things like foley care can be grouped in to things like hygiene, prep, insertion, and stabilization. Take a deep breath. You can do this!

sara2013, RN · Aug 12, 2016

Thank you, for the advice. I got much more comfortable now, after few practices....

oceanblue52 · Aug 12, 2016

That is good to hear, thank you for giving us an update! It is natural to feel uncomfortable when confronted with new procedures, even after you've graduated. The trick is to approach it with confidence and realize that everyone had to learn it. I'm glad to hear you are feeling more comfortable, don't forget that confidence when you encounter a new situation :-)

sara2013, RN · Aug 12, 2016

Thank you, Oceanblue52 , to be honest with all the classes and clinicals I had forgotten to even visit the site. Just read all posts for my questions.... Some people can be cruel without knowing any information or facts.....also appreciate very much positive and encouraging comments....