Doubts about Nursing

Genista, BSN, RN · Sep 10, 2004

Hi Lisa Michelle-

You'd be surprised to hear how many RNs once felt the same way you do. I can't speak to your specific state nursing programs, but I can tell you my experience. My clinicals usually occured on days that I had no classes.When I had 12 hour clinicals- there were never any university classes scheduled the same day. Classes took place on certain days, and clinicals on others. Sometimes I would do a short clinic, however, for maybe 4 hours on the same day of class. But on the whole, the two were usually separate. :)

I was petrified when we had to look at cadavers in Anatomy, so imagine my fear of how would I function as a nurse. Guess what...some things are still "gross" and "icky" to me, but I have learned to deal with them. I have seen some nasty horrible wounds, tumors, bodily functions, etc. But if you always think of the patient's comfort first, it somehow makes it easier. Be professional, and focus on educating the patient while you work, and you will see how much more tolerable it is.

The first time I gave an injection my hand shook so bad the patient said,"It's okay honey, just give me the shot." LOL! :rotfl: You will feel uncomfortable changing people, and giving shots for awhile. It takes time to feel comfortable and professional in your new role. The worst thing about nursing school is feeling so new and nervous. The best thing is...it gets easier the more you do it (so get in there and practice as often as you can). The worst thing about being a nurse is not having time to do the job as thoroughly as you would like. The best thing is knowing that you helped someone during a difficult time in their life. I think you probably have the newbie jitters. Be kind to yourself! You haven't even started yet. If you talk to other nursing students I think you will find your feelings are not unique. Maybe you can visit a local nursing club or organization at the university and talk to current students? You also might want to stop by the student nursing forum here & say hi. Good luck! :nurse:

I finally have one semester left of prereqs for a BSN program and now that I visted some uni's open houses around here, I am really intimidated at being a nurse. 12 hr clinicals and then class? When do I study or sleep? Also, I get a bit queasy even SEEING someone getting an injection and am in absolute fear of having to change someone. Should I consider a different career or go ahead and stick it out, get a BSN and do something else that isn't in a hospital setting? What is the worst thing about nursing school and the worst thing about being a nurse in terms of duties?