Did you ever scare yourself as a student?

Nurses General Nursing

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I'm a pre-nursing student and will be taking ANP I next semester. This will be my first class geared towards nursing (I have a previous B.S. degree in education). I've been out of school for a long time.

For any of you in the program, or already graduated, did you ever look ahead to try to prepare yourself for upcoming classes....or read other people talking about things (nursing lingo) that you've never heard about before and then gotten scared?

I've been trying to gather info to prepare myself for my ANP class but instead of feeling better prepared, I feel more intimidated and find myself lacking confidence. I try to remind myself that of course information I haven't had a chance to be familiar with yet will seem foreign and overwhelming to me.

I'm just worried that a part of me is trying to give up before I even get started. Any words of wisdom are appreciated. I'm a big ball of stress already and I haven't even taken one class yet.

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Specializes in ICU.

Yes, I used to read this board daily and get very intimidated by the information I was reading. Was I ever going to know what these people were talking about? Yes, as a matter of fact I would.

Just take it one class at a time and study study study.

You are scared because you haven't learned it yet and so it seems hard.

Once you learn it, you will understand it.

I used to read on here about care plans and they scared the heck out of me. I finally had to do one for class and did well for it being my first one ever (got a 90).

If you want to read ahead, then read. You don't have to KNOW it all. Just seeing it again will help you remember it better down the line. It really does help to have SEEN it before.

When the time comes for class then be prepared and be ready to go. You will be fine!

Kim

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"Yes, I used to read this board daily and get very intimidated by the information I was reading. Was I ever going to know what these people were talking about?"

Thank you! This gives me hope :) (and lets me know that I'm not alone)

I wish I wasn't such a worrier! I really appreciate your response. THANK YOU!! :D

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Do you mean A&P as in Anatomy and Physiology? My suggestion for that class would be to start memorizing bones, muscles, ligaments, joints, NOW. Get the Netter's flash cards and try to learn a different one every few days. Also, you don't just need to know the bones, but also all the fossa and notches, etc.

Try not to get overwhelmed. Everyone is new at some point. I took a CNA class (b/c my school requires it for acceptance inton nursing programs) and it really helped me learn alot about the terminology and such. I recommend that.

Good luck to you!

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Specializes in Day Surgery, Agency, Cath Lab, LTC/Psych.

I thought she was referring to A&P--anatomy and physiology. I could be wrong though.

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Yes, anatomy and physiology.

Thanks, I already ordered those flash cards and are waiting for them to arrive. I've always been a "crammer" so I hope I catch on to "real studying" quickly!

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Specializes in ED, ICU, Heme/Onc.

I couldn't imagine putting a catheter in anyone, or starting an IV. It acually made me itch.

I was terrified on the first day of clinicals and we were just there with healthy old folks to help them get ready for bed.

You build up to the "scary" stuff and all of your "firsts" will be supported by a clinical instructor or a RN preceptor.

Blee

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Specializes in Onco, palliative care, PCU, HH, hospice.

I've always been a big believer in you get out of your education what you put in it. By reading ahead and doing your own research in addition to what you're doing in your courses you really just expand your breadth of knowledge. You may not understand it all at first, but that will come, you'll also begin to put together various theories for yourself. Best of luck to you!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, , Home health, Education.

I can remember my first class after being out of school about 15 years. I thought I'd pass out just from nerves but I survived. p.s.....even after 15 years in Healthcare as an LPN the A&P course I took was like learning a new language. Take lots of notes, work with other students and the flash cards probably would help. You'll do fine. Best of luck~!

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Take one day at a time.

Kinda like being at a line in Disneyland--if you were able to see how long the line to the ride really is, you might be inclined to not stay in line.

Don't be worrying about tomorrow, enjoy today.

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Specializes in Med/Surg < 1yr.

For me,

Pre-nursing I was intimidated by all of the pre-reqs that were required. Got past them

Nursing 100 I was intimidated by all that was in store especially Pharmacology got past it

Nursing 200, so much info was coming my way I didn't know if I was coming or going...I kept hearing horror stories that these classes were so hard very few people pass...only one in my class failed and it wasn't me....

Nursing 300 more info and projects and then more independence, all that I learned previously started to make sense, I'm starting to feel like a nurse

Nursing 400's last step before graduation, doing transitions (preceptorship) at big hospital on Med/Surg floor. Lots to do but confidence builds day by day and I feel like I can do this.

So you see, there are alot of us that felt like you do now and we got through it and so will you.

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I just remember being terrified my first semester in nursing school because my instructor wanted me to check someone's oxygen saturation.

Don't get too worked up over things, you'll be fine.

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