Any tips on self-confidence? HELP!!!

lna2rn · Apr 11, 2006

hi!
how can i be more confident when working on the floor?
i am a nursing student and my instructors had told me that i did not look confident when working on the floor.
to say the truth, i was not born in the us and because of my cultural background people think that i don't look confident enough.
what do they want?!
i know that i am only a nursing student but i believe that confidence will come with time too.
it really frustrates me for making such judgments.
i need tips! what do you think?
thanks.:angryfire :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire

when you introduce yourself look 'em in the eye, give a nice natural smile, intoduce yourself in a sweet voice and never let them see you sweat! fake it till you make it!!!! hope this helps

HeatherLPN · Apr 11, 2006

You know, when I was precepting my instructor had to make a visit to everyone's facility. The nurse told her my only problem was my lack of confidence. When she told me that, she said a lot of seasoned nurses expect student to act like seasoned nurses and it's just not going to happen. That made me feel better, but I knew I had to build it up. It does come with time.

bargainhound, RN · Apr 11, 2006

Sounds like your instructor is not allowing for your cultural differences.

But, it is true that public also often does not consider cultural differences.

What have you noticed that is different for you regarding your own culture's

behavior versus the way some of the people in American culture act?

We cannot control others, only ourselves. If we are aware of our own

"roots" we can be more tolerant/understanding of others. It will also help

you understand how to "act" confident.

WaynesvilleRN · Apr 11, 2006

Relax......even if a patient dies in your care.....be relaxed while you care for them...smile....don't panic......enjoy what you are doing......focus on the true meaning of a nurse......know that you are not perfect....nobody is perfect.....admit to your mistakes (only when you make a mistake)...but make no apologies for being young or new at it.....let your patients and instructors know that if you do not know the answer...you will find someone who does......speak to your patient as if everything you say is truth and the right answer......breathe

nursecher · Apr 11, 2006

I've heard "Fake it till you make it"

Use your acting skills and "play" a confident nurse and you will come across that way and it will eventually become true!

ortess1971 · Apr 15, 2006

I was told by an instructor that when the semester started she was worried that I seemed "overly cautious". I am the quiet type so I think that worked against me. This same instructor told me later in the semester that I did a great job and that she would rather have someone be on the cautious side. Most of the cases we have had of students acting unsafely around patients have been because a student was overly confident and overstepped the student role. These people didn't ask questions because they thought they knew it all(One student flushed an IV with TAP WATER!!!!!) :nono: We all have our strong points...Hang in there.

clee1 · Apr 15, 2006

Confidence has two components: external perception and internalized (or self) confident actions/emotions.

External perception is easy: Be decisive, knowledgeable, skillfull - or fake it as necessary. Don't take chances with pt. safety, but you should always project the aura of skilled competence. Actor/musicians have to do this; if they make a mistake, they don't react to it and their audience usually can't detect their mistake.

"Self"-confidence is a bit tougher. You have to convince YOURSELF that you a) have the skills, and b) you ARE competent, and c) you WILL provide the very best care for your pt. This can take some time to develop, as you are still learning "the ropes".

Fake it 'till you make it is a great way to say it.