Today I was thinking- I sure am young, and I'm taking on a lot of responsibility. I began to attempt to place myself in the shoes of the patients I care for. Let's say I'm in the hospital and I am being cared for by a young fresh face- I would be lying if I said I wouldn't be scared- especially knowing how little I know and how I have so much left to learn- so much that my lifetime will not serve to complete all the learning I must complete.
Seeing that young face- thinking "Wait a minute- that will take of [me] [my mom] [my daughter] [my wife]? I just turned Twenty years old- that's right folks. Not too long ago I was nineteen. It doesn't help that I have to have a baby face, especially when I shave! I honestly just shave because it can get annoying to manage my facial hair on top of my schooling and general life. Yes- facial hair is hard to manage, ladies. I guess, I guess I'm not asking for advice or anything. Unless you wish to contribute- go right ahead. :) Call it what you will ... venting- expressing- relating- articulating-.
Thank you for taking time to listen, or rather read!
Since I cannot alter my chronological and physical age, I will present myself with maturity and professionalism.
I great big thanks to everyone's support. I really appreciate and humbly accept your thoughts in terms of how I have chosen to approach this matter.
Esme, your story really inspires me and gives me encouragement. My first clinical rotation was at an inner city hospital in Houston, TX. I however feel that since I was a first semester and it was my very first semester I was inclined to be more behind the scenes and just observe. The hospital was busy, operations around the clock. The patients on the medical surgical unit were highly unstable. Nurses had up to 7 - 8 patients. It was a reality shock.
Well, my second rotation was at a nearby hospital. More laid back, suburb type hospital. I had a little more confidence, did a little more. Worked greatly on my assessment skills. Honestly, more than any other skills it was my assessment skills I refined. I was excited that toward the end (last two clinical), I had a somewhat developed way of assessing. My own way of assessing, when I began rotations my first time I was awkward and would try to systematically do a head to toe. Now I have my own little strategy down. This strategy of mine obviously was developed based on my professors, preceptors, my readings, and what I feel comfortable with. I am excited to see how it evolves next rotation, what else I may read, what else I may be taught or pick. I would love to gain some tricks of the trade to incorporate.
It turns out my 3rd rotation will once be again at the inner city hospital. I feel excited and nervous at the same time. This time I really want soak it all up. This hospital is extremely busy. Major surgeries around the clock. Patients of all backgrounds. I'm hoping it will all go good. Only thing that makes me nervous is driving on the freeway/downtown. I made an earlier thread, I feel more comfortable driving on the freeway.
My point is, I really feel that your story connected with mine. I was exposed to a lot of stuff my first semester, I hope that now I can a step in and do more. I am very very excited, and yes nervous as well.
I understand where you are coming from; however, I am on the opposite end of the spectrum. I am just finishing with my second year of my BSN program, and I will be 42 years old when I graduate. You mention being concerned that patients may look at you and think that you are too young and inexperienced to care for their loved one...I on the other hand, am concerned that patients will look at me and think that I have experience, and then I will look foolish and naive when I don't know the right answer to their questions or concerns. I think that both of our feelings are valid, and completely normal :) Good luck to you with your future career!!
I'm 32 and I'm in a BSN program with mostly 20 year olds. When I look at them, I see very confident and capable young men and women. I don't have any doubt whatsoever that they will be great at what they do. We all have to live life to learn certain things - like the dynamics of families from a parent's point of view, or how chronic pain might feel like, or how hard it is to take care of a spouse who can't take care of themselves. (Honestly, I hope that none of us ever has to experience that, but experiential knowledge does help increase compassion.) When we all graduate, we will all be doe-eyed and afraid of breaking our patients when our instructors aren't looking over our shoulders to make sure we're doing things right. I look young for my age (always have) and have felt the assumption you describe that with youth, comes lack of ability. Just know your stuff! They'll be less afraid of your youthful face if you show confidence. Maybe you're afraid inside, but don't let them see it. You'll be amazing. If you're anything like the students I'm with in my program, you'll be awesome.
I started my nursing program at 18 years old- I was in a vocational school for nursing my junior and senior year of high school and was placed at the top of the program's other wise 5 year waiting list. All of my classmates were at least 2+ years older than me, most of which were 25+ years old. if you act maturely and show that you know your stuff and are only interested in the best interest of the patient they will be at ease.
I have found my age has helped. Although when I became and LPN I was the age of an average college graduate 21, but most people in my class were in their 30's-40's. I still find at even 25 now that I will be among the youngest nurses with any job I have. I think it's because most people my age went with an actual ADN or BSN at are at hospitals and not LPN's in LTC. But I say it helps because I just interviewed for a job where RN's are in their 50's (I would be the only Lpn if I get it) and they told me they were excited I came in because I am youngerish with 2 years experience and eager to learn, which i am, i want to absorb as much as i can and learn all i can from them because they have over 70 years experience combined! i just want to pick their brains! I have a baby face too...still get carded for my yearly lotto ticket! But I have has my babies since I was 21, been married since 22, and owned my own home since 23 so I forget I am 25, I feel 35. My maturity in my work has never came into question.
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
I great big thanks to everyone's support. I really appreciate and humbly accept your thoughts in terms of how I have chosen to approach this matter.
Esme, your story really inspires me and gives me encouragement. My first clinical rotation was at an inner city hospital in Houston, TX. I however feel that since I was a first semester and it was my very first semester I was inclined to be more behind the scenes and just observe. The hospital was busy, operations around the clock. The patients on the medical surgical unit were highly unstable. Nurses had up to 7 - 8 patients. It was a reality shock.
Well, my second rotation was at a nearby hospital. More laid back, suburb type hospital. I had a little more confidence, did a little more. Worked greatly on my assessment skills. Honestly, more than any other skills it was my assessment skills I refined. I was excited that toward the end (last two clinical), I had a somewhat developed way of assessing. My own way of assessing, when I began rotations my first time I was awkward and would try to systematically do a head to toe. Now I have my own little strategy down. This strategy of mine obviously was developed based on my professors, preceptors, my readings, and what I feel comfortable with. I am excited to see how it evolves next rotation, what else I may read, what else I may be taught or pick. I would love to gain some tricks of the trade to incorporate.
It turns out my 3rd rotation will once be again at the inner city hospital. I feel excited and nervous at the same time. This time I really want soak it all up. This hospital is extremely busy. Major surgeries around the clock. Patients of all backgrounds. I'm hoping it will all go good. Only thing that makes me nervous is driving on the freeway/downtown. I made an earlier thread, I feel more comfortable driving on the freeway.
My point is, I really feel that your story connected with mine. I was exposed to a lot of stuff my first semester, I hope that now I can a step in and do more. I am very very excited, and yes nervous as well.
Thanks.
I was a very well brought up young lady......I was VERY YOUNG when I started nursing school. While I was aware of male anatomy...I naive/innocent in every sense of the word. To be suddenly in a world of violence, drugs, guns and gangs....was, needless to say educational.
You take it one step at a time. One foot in front of the other. Eyes and ears open. Ask to help with everything and anything. Never let them know you are unsure.....never let them see you sweat. Never be afraid to ask for help.
If you can't dazzle them with your brilliance baffle them with your bovine feces.
I learned that people who live in boxes have well behaved children. That gangs have rules....maybe not ones I understand but they have rules. I learned that everyone needs a kind word now and then. I learned that giving respect will gain you respect.
I ended up LOVING the inner city...I loved the trauma. I made some great friends. I had life long lessons. If you ever need someone to talk to...I'm always here....PM me any time.
Now go out there with your best face forward....knock em dead.....well not literally....
Morainey, BSN, RN
831 Posts
Actually, just to clarify, I mean inexperienced versus experienced nurses, not young versus old.