Does everyone experience low confidence at some stage of their training?

[Bettyloui]

Hi guys,

I recently started on my internship in my final year of nursing. In Europe our internship lasts 9 months with 9 weeks in different areas or units. We finally get paid at a rate of 6.40 an hour for 39 hours a week (less then minimum wage but that's another story for another thread some time). I am studying psych nursing.

I landed into an area with 2 staff changes and a shortage of staff so most days it was a staff nurse and I caring for 6 clients along with household duties, social outings and who some required 1:1 a lot of the time due to behavior that causes concern.

I was given feedback at the end of each day, which is great because feedback allows you to grow and pick up things you might not notice your doing or not doing.

I was told to be more vocal about what I am doing, so I did that and would always say things like "do you think it would be okay to do XYZ" even though I know it needs to be done but its just so they know Ive actually done it. if that makes sense.....

Next day feedback was time management, to manage it better. So I would take notes about changes that need to be documented for the night report etc and was told not to take notes. I still took notes though Only way I remember ! I come into work a half hour early just to get changed and read to take notes, so that particular nurse wouldn't see lol. XD She also says things like I told you that remember....? when really she never said anything at all... or I ask a question and shell respond with a question. XD

Move on 5 weeks time and the feedback I got was " I have low confidence in my abilities".

I took it on board, but part of me feels like that its part of learning and becoming a nurse. You just don't walk in there, knowing it all and taking over. I think its a fine line and one you learn when training.

I don't really suck up to people because I am rubbish at lieing yet it seems to make every thing a lot easier when it comes to pulling the wool over peoples eyes.

I wanted to ask, does everyone go through this stage in nursing and life in general?

Am I right in saying maybe I just need to learn to get along with people and really let feedback go. They tell me that I shouldn't be putting myself under pressure when it comes to learning Drugs, but I feel like its my last chance to learn and ask as many questions too. I also have the highest grade in my class and have received awards for my assignments I love to learn and ask questions. But when it comes to placement im more cautious and always ask questions because Im afraid of making a mistake and someone will turn around and say... well I told you that didnt I... when really they didnt and I should have asked if I was unsure.

Have you ever felt like this?

I love my job, I just find as a nursing student you tend to get feedback good or bad regardless. Ive just accepted it because thats what a nurse whos interested in teaching does and maybe they want to help you.

I find just saying "thanks thats a great insight, good feedback" the person feels like they made a difference even though it was something you were already doing but they didn't notice or it actually helps you grow.

I often wonder, does my body language and tone convey low confidence.