Confidence level

MissJoanna · Nov 4, 2011

I haven't even started the program, I start in January, and I'm already unbelievably nervous. I had convinced myself I wouldn't get into the program so now that I did I have no idea what to feel or do to prepare.

MissJoanna · Nov 4, 2011

Sorry for not helping, just wanted to let you know that you weren't alone in feeling that way.

nsgstu · Nov 4, 2011

Hi, ya it is ok to be nervous, afterall it is nursing school. It just asks for so much sometimes that I tend to feel short.

I am already in nursing school and trying level best.

Thanks for sharing your experience in my first thread.

Good luck to u.

MissJoanna · Nov 4, 2011

Thank you. Good luck to you as well, I hope your confidence goes up :).

Always_Learning, BSN, RN · Nov 4, 2011

I felt this way too as I neared graduation. In my humble opinion, I think this feeling is a good indicator that you take your education and soon-to-be job seriously, that you are aware that you have a limited time "under an instructor's wing," so to speak, and that you are a little nervous about being expected to do this on your own. All very accurate, realistic perceptions.

Guess what? That feeling just intensifies after you graduate and are expected to apply this stuff in "the real world." I don't say that to be discouraging, but to let you know that you should find ways to make time for yourself and encourage yourself now...it will certainly help you as you go forward. Feel free to be nervous, to study/prepare, and to reflect on what you could have done better in caring for patients, but don't let the lack of confidence consume you. Try your hardest, but when you've done your best, let that be enough. Each day, your "best" will get a little bit better. Every single day (sometimes every hour!) as a student and as a graduate nurse, you will learn something new. Confidence can only come with time, but to put in the time, you have to have...err...intestinal fortitude (AKA "guts!") Best of luck to you!

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Nov 4, 2011

Confidence comes with experience :)

If I meet a nursing student who thinks they have it all together? I'm looking for the door, and some sort of 'swatter' to get them away from me

You'll get there :hug:

Ashley_Nurse · Nov 7, 2011

I also feel the exact same way. I'm in the pre-reqs, but I'm scared to death. Patients lives will be in my hands, and to me, this won't be just a job, this will be a committment. I'm just scared to death.