I'm still in school, pre-requisites. My goal is to be an ED nurse.
Yesterday there was a fairly serious car accident right by my house - we heard it happen. We went outside and approached the vehicles. Before I got close, I totally and completely froze - my body wouldn't move and I started physically twitching (my face, arms, legs). It only lasted for a few seconds, then I moved on and checked on the people in the vehicles and started bossing everyone around - had someone call 911, someone else take photos, someone else direct traffic, etc.
Now I find myself doubting the ability to handle intense situations. What if I freeze and someone is seriously hurt? I can't imagine a patient wants to see a twitching nurse about to administer meds. What is this is just how I am? Is this something I should be concerned about (I mean, I already am, but I'm not above over-reacting).
This is the first time I've really doubted myself. It's disconcerting.
Don't beat yourself up before you even start your nursing program. Right now you know about as much as your grandma does about handling trauma cases, and that is okay because you haven't been trained to handle these things yet. Nobody is born being able to calmly respond to this stuff. It's a skill that is learned and developed over time and it doesn't mean you won't be a great ER nurse.
Specializes in Maternal Child, Home Health, Med/Surg.
Don't worry about it. When you actually get there, have the proper training, and experience - it won't be the same. You will be in situations that will be horrific, but I think you'll have a firmer grasp of what to do.
I think that something that you've witnessed first hand can sometimes be very scary. I'm pretty sure that I would have done the same thing but I also believe that in nursing school you'll be taught critical thinking skills. I think you'll be more confident the more you learn how to treat a patient. I have every confidence in the world that you'll do fine in nursing school and go on to become a good nurse. Good luck and keep your head up. :)
If you have doubt then it is only appropriate to have doubt of a doubt. There is no guarantee that the next time something intense happens in your presence that your response will remain the same. Right?
Erythropoiesis
305 Posts
Don't beat yourself up before you even start your nursing program. Right now you know about as much as your grandma does about handling trauma cases, and that is okay because you haven't been trained to handle these things yet. Nobody is born being able to calmly respond to this stuff. It's a skill that is learned and developed over time and it doesn't mean you won't be a great ER nurse.