Crying in front of instuctor

37changes, ASN, RN · Dec 2, 2017

I'm sure a lot of people have cried in front of their clinical instructor. My good friend just started crying this week because we had to do our first insulin shots and she had JUST had a lot of trouble trying to get a blood sugar reading. It was just a lot all at once. And she was feeling discouraged.

Everybody cries at some point. Some more than others. It's a response to stress. Take this opportunity to brush up on your skills and move on. That's all you can do. Experiences like these will just make you stronger in the future.

KrCmommy522, BSN, RN · Dec 2, 2017

I had a pt that had a seizure disorder. When I saw she didn't have seizure precautions on, I asked the RN why. The RN said the pt has been on medication and hadn't had one in years as a result of the medication so they didn't see a need for it. Of course, the pt was NPO because she was going to have surgery and she wasn't getting that med. I was in there and she started having a seizure. I reacted quick and handled it thank goodness and I hit the call button and said HELLLLP MY PT IS HAVING A SEIZURE. They responded, "Oh really? Someone will be right in." About 2 minutes later (but what seemed like an hour!) 2 RNs came in. By then, the pt was out of it. I gave them the info about what happened and how long it went on for that they needed and we checked her out. After that, I felt like I was fine. Just a little rattled. But my instructor pulled me aside and asked how I was doing and I just broke down! It seemed like it came out of nowhere. She said not to be embarrased, that it was a nerve-wracking experience and understandable I would be upset.

Another time I got some bad family news near the end of a clinical day and I tried to keep it together but kept tearing up and having to go to the bathroom.

I think that's it - but if I think on it some more, I'm sure there are other times I cried!! Nursing school is stressful!! You're bound to break sometimes! Especially if you are getting a not so good review. It's understandable - you wanted to do great, you worked hard, and you ended up struggling and not doing as well as you wanted to. Anyone would be upset in those circumstances. Then, getting a bad review. Everyone wants to cry when they are being told they didn't do well, especially when it's something important to them that they worked hard on and put in a lot of effort. I got a bad review once, I held the tears back, but it wasn't easy and it probably showed! (so there's another time I thought of!). My point is - don't be embarrassed. I'm sure you're not the first to have cried in front of the instructor. Just brush it off and move on. Work on what you need to improve and come back strong! That's all you can ever do!! You have nothing to be embarrassed about - it just shows you care! Keep your head up!!

elkpark · Dec 2, 2017

Welcome to allnurses! :balloons:

I've had students cry in front of me as an instructor (not in front of clients, but in private meetings) and, if it's any comfort, I and the other instructors I've known over the years remember and understand that nursing school is tough, emotionally as well as academically. It's a human reaction. Best wishes!

amynursing · Dec 3, 2017

thanks so much!I actually cried from the same scenario. I was giving an injection to a mannequin but I totally messed up during check off's, forgot the steps and got super embarrassed. I just felt like I was the only one who couldn't do it and eveyone else could

amynursing · Dec 3, 2017

thanks :)

amynursing · Dec 3, 2017

thanks so much! It's good to know other people have been in the same situation. I will for sure keep improving my skills, you are right! Thanks for the advice, I am sure you are an amazing nurse!!

Apple-Core, ASN, BSN, RN · Dec 3, 2017

When we were at orientation a while back, one of the senior students told us that it is likely that we'll cry every day. I think she was being facetious, but still....I think it's pretty common.

emmjayy, BSN, RN · Dec 5, 2017

I've cried twice in front of a clinical instructor. Once because I totally messed up an assignment and got the lowest grade in the class on it (a very humiliating experience for me b/c typically I'm at the top of my class) on top of having just finished the most hellish med-surg class/clinical rotation I'd ever had. The other time because my mental health lectures touched on topics that hit very close to home for me for like... a week straight and I just couldn't handle it anymore. Both times, it ended up being a really positive thing because both instructors were incredibly kind, understanding, supportive, and helped me cope with what I was going through in a constructive way. There's no shame in being human!