Developing Anxiety During Nursing School

Sflowerssweeney · Feb 24, 2018

First of all, nursing school is the most stressful thing any of us can do in my opinion. The instructors seem to want you to fail, whether they do or not, I'm not sure. Maybe they are trying to weed us out. But don't compare yourself to anyone else. It doesn't matter what someone else got on the test. It just matters that you passed. Your GPA doesn't matter as long as you are keeping a 75 plus on everything. If you have a passion to be a nurse you will succeed. If you don't you won't. It takes alot of studying, and alot of commitment. It has to be number one. Once you get through it you won't regret it. Hang in there.

allnurses Guide · Feb 24, 2018

It sounds to me like you're still in the normal zone. Nursing school is anxiety-producing for most people-- and really, why shouldn't it be? There's a lot of stuff that is completely new (for those without significant prior healthcare-related experience)

I would really try to stop the comparison game . . . it will only drive you nuts in the end. Remember to focus on yourself and your progress toward your goal of becoming a nurse.

Yes, occasionally anxiety can become paralyzing. If this should occur, the symptoms will become overwhelming and are usually noticed by others.

Hope this helps!

future_RN, CNA · Mar 2, 2018

Is your main problem the anxiety? Do you get anxious thinking you have the diseases you are learning about? That happens quite frequently in nursing school lol. Me and all my friends went through a phase in 1st year where we thought we had all these diseases and disorders. It passes with time. It does make you way more health conscious though! A little fear/anxiety is a good thing (key phrase: a little).

That being said, most people in nursing school have doubts if they can become a nurse. That goal is up to you to meet. Getting INTO nursing school is hard and competitive, so you've clearly done something right.

I've had an increasing amount of anxiety in college, and nursing school exacerbated that, which figures. Nursing school is high stakes, high stakes exams, pass or fail clinical requirements. It is not impossible, but it is by no means easy, and it shouldn't be easy.

And don't worry about the "high average" people around you have. They are not going to take your exams for you, and they are not going to use the time you spend worrying about them to study for exams for you. You just have to be the best you can be, try as hard as you can, reach out when you need help, and be professional. Always be on time, in the required uniform, with a good attitude. You really never know who knows the faculty at your school and vice-versa. Some teachers I've gotten along with really well have given me great advice and their experience is worth its weight in gold.

If you have anxiety that is bothering you, and/or interfering with your daily life and your quality of life, I do encourage you to seek help. There is NOTHING wrong with seeking help or admitting that you need help. Everyone needs a little help sometimes. Even just to talk to a psychologist or psychiatrist will help.

If you have a good support system it is time to reach out to them as well if you're able to or comfortable enough to.

All in all, you CAN do this. Anxiety shouldn't get the best of you. I have anxiety so bad sometimes I can't even answer my phone I just need to spend some me time (nap, watch a show, clean the house) and then I bounce back refreshed to do what I need to do. You need to figure out what you can do to ease some of your anxiety and bring your focus back to your studies. You can do this.

MiladyMalarkey, ASN, BSN · Mar 2, 2018

Take heart. The stress of nursing school has a way of making one doubt their abilities.