Butterflies ~ Anxiety

Published

Question??? Did you ever have so much anxiety and "butterflies" about starting Nursing School that you found it hard to focus on anything else?

I am to start Sept. 2, and I am SO EXCITED!!! :yeah: The only problem for me is that I am also VERY NERVOUS! I guess I am just wondering what to expect in the first several days, weeks, and months of class. I am taking an LPN program through a County Vocational Program. They have a VERY HIGH pass rate on the Board of Nursing web-site, and after extensively researching the program (as previously advised to do...on this site...thanks by the way), I know that they do have a good reputation, and good program.

Anyway, any pointers on dealing with the "butterflies," and any input on how your vocational program classes were when you started?

Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I haven't started nursing school yet (fall 08 hopefull; its a long story)... BUT I do have anxiety! Especially when I am about to start something new. What I try to do is just take it day by day. I try not to look at the whole picture... I simply set realistic daily goals.

Also, when I set out my weekly goals (personal & study time aside from school time) that seems to help my anxiety. TIME MANANGEMENT will be the key.. atleast I think so.

I also think its very normal to be very nervous when we start anything NEW!!! When it becomes routine and we get used it all... I am sure we will be fine!! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute Mental Health.

I'm going into my 4th semester and I still get nervous before class begins. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

see the thread https://allnurses.com/forums/f50/first-day-nursing-school-235170.html by an lpn student.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in oncology, hospice.

Congratulations on your acceptance to nursing school!

I bought several "nursing school" books through Amazon and they really helped me out a lot:

  • Mosby's Tour Guide to Nursing School: A Student's Road Survival Kit

  • How to Survive and Maybe Even Love Nursing School!: A Guide for Students by Students

  • Student Nurse Handbook: Difficult Concepts Made Easy

  • Test Success: Test-Taking Techniques for Beginning Nursing Students 4th Edition

I really liked them all, but if money (or time) is in the way, I listed them from most "must have" to least. Or you can check your library. But they had great ideas on banishing the butterflies, using positive self-talk and actual practices to perform ahead of time. I was SO SICK AND WORRIED all last summer before I began my nursing program last fall, and I made the honor roll every semester since! As a single parent of three teenage boys! YOU CAN DO THIS - you have to decide you will and everything will fall into place. Best of luck to you. YOU CAN DO IT!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yes! and that's an emphatic yes! I start semester 2 and I still have some butterflies fluttering about. I find that if I take it just one day at a time, it helps. Whenever you feel a bit overwhelmed...take a deep breath...think of what is most important and let any distractors fall wayside. Sometimes it'll feel like everything is just be coming at once, but as long as no one's life is at stake, you can take a minute or two to put things in a more organized way for yourself.

You'll be fine. Enjoy it! It is fun at times and you'll meet some great people along the way, possibly your new best friend!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion