darn shaky hands

It may be a little bit of a problem at first...but HEY, who isn't shakey when doing things for the first time, second time, third time? As with most things in nursing, precision takes time. Starting an IV, NG, UC...I mean nobody is going to do it perfect and care-free at first. As you stated about your hands being steady when you write/draw...you didn't just start writting/drawing, did you? Of course not, you've had practice and are a pro at it.

So, take your time and anything is possible. Practice helps.

Good lord...i was shaky as all get out when doing skills in the lab or on the floor with an instructor....

Now, I don't even notice....because I know i KNOW what I'm doing...it's a good time.

Before skills labs....

1)Lay off the coffee

2)Eat a good meal (a Mars bar is not a good meal)

During skills labs

1) Learn to anchor your working hand (ie rest it or support it to stop the shaking)

I echo AirforceRN, especially on the caffeine. I have a familial tremor thats always there as far as I can tell. If I do a decent job of getting enough sleep and laying off the caffeine AND KNOW MY STUFF INSIDE OUT going into skills lab for check off, I shake a lot less. when I dont do a decent job on all of those controllable factors, I quiver. It is not fun.

I mentioned the shake to my MedSurg proctor at the end of my prior clinical cycle and she looked at me and said 'well most people shake, especially when doing something new'.

progress not perfection

I still shake huge and I have been an ER nurse for 2 years. it is just a part of who I am. Am able to start IV's on the big and small, but the shaking really has nothing to do with nerves or caffeine. Just has to do with who I am and how God and Jesus made me. Have never had a problem with it, but the other day started and IV on a woman in SVT and she asked me if i was nervous for her told her no I just shake>>>>>>>

You know what? All the posts are great and that is what keeps me coming back. God Bless you all and may all of your hearts remain pure and good. :)

Kudos to all.

TuTonka

I had to laugh at this post..cause I share your "darn shaky hands" problem. My hands have always been far from steady...and being skinny, high blood blood pressure doesnt help..and doing anything new with hands is always ingredient for shaky hands. First time i gave a shot was with a family mem.. preping and mixing solution made my hand shake like crazy..but now its old news and am steady as i can be. Just takes confidence and practice...with practice comes confidence...but hang in there, im sure your further in course then me....i havent even done injections yet...eek lol

LOL! I remember the first sterile procedure I attempted. My hands were so shaky I went through 3 pairs of gloves. The lady who's' port I was flushing looked up at me and said, "there's a flask of vodka in the nightstand if you think that will help." Nothing like humor to calm the nerves.

LOL! I remember the first sterile procedure I attempted. My hands were so shaky I went through 3 pairs of gloves. The lady who's' port I was flushing looked up at me and said, "there's a flask of vodka in the nightstand if you think that will help." Nothing like humor to calm the nerves.

actually i think that would work if you have familial essential tremor......but i dont advise it, on the job....lol

hahahha I remember posting this!!! LOL... my hands are shaky but precise!!!

i will shake when not holding anything, but when the needle is in my hands i am like a hawk!!!

I just wanted to share my story so far with shaky hands. I am in nursing school now and have problems with shaky hands. It happens worse when I am giving shots! Not good. My instructor pointed it out to me and told me I needed to correct the problem. So, 6 months left of the program and I drove home crying about my situation. I called my doctor and she put me on cogentin. It seems to be working. Hopefully, I will have another post about a very successful clinical day :) I guess what I am trying to say is there is nothing to fear but fear itself. Try try and try again and most importantly don't give up. This is just another hurdle to pass and we all have our weaknesses.