Egads! NP student- Feel like the village idiot!

[AngelfireRN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Hi, all. I am in my 2nd semester of ACNP classes, rounding with a cardiologist and the director of our local ER. I have been an RN for nearly 7 years. I have worked in an ER before, but have little, and I do mean LITTLE cardiac experience. That's why I chose these rotations, to be more well-rounded.

Well, it never fails, I can be siting at home, watching "ER" or "House", or Discovery Health and diagnose all night long, but put me in the clinical and it's like my brain and my tongue get disconnected! I'm as dumb as a box of rocks! I guess it's being put on the spot like that, as it usually only happens in the ER (the cardiologist is pretty straightforward-stress test, echo, or cath 'em).

My question is, is it just me, or is this common? I do not like this one bit. I am not used to it, and I am in no way of the opinion that I should know everything, but I think I should know SOMETHING! Maybe it's just nerves. What do y'all think? Thanks.

[SharonH, RN]

Dear Angelfire,

You're learning! You are not only learning new information but you are learning different ways to process it. This is no small thing and you are being too hard on yourself. Just keep at it and it will all come together.........one day.

Cheers, Sharon

[AngelfireRN, MSN, RN, APRN]

I guess I'm just such a perfectionist that it tears me up that I can't take to it my second day. Thanks for the pick-me-up.

[TPfan24]

Hi there, no doubt those clinicals can be stressful. There is so much to learn in an unfamiliar environment with staff you do not know. It will take time and and you will learn what you need to know. Read up and review areas you are not familiar with. Ask questions and be observant.

I too had a clinical rotation in the ER, and had come from 16 years in assisted living and pedi homecare as an RN. I felt out of my territory but did make it through. You will too!

As a fairly new NP (06), I continue to review my books and handouts. Remember your level of knowledge when completing your program is expected to be as an entry level NP. Good Luck.

[AngelfireRN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Thank you, TPfan. May I ask, what track did you do? I am pursuing ACNP. Thanks again.

[NurseCherlove]

Thank you, TPfan. May I ask, what track did you do? I am pursuing ACNP. Thanks again.

Hey Angelfire...curious...why did you choose ACNP instead of ANP? I have lately been going back and forth on this one. I thought I wanted to do clinic and hospital rounding with a cardiologist group when I became an NP, but now I'm thinking I just want the clinic (this later thought may be an effect of burn out due to working as a hopital RN). What are your thoughts?

BTW, no one expects you to know everything as a new grad NP, let alone as a new student! I'm sure they also remember feeling put on the spot by someone they revered for their knowledge and the resulting brain freeze that can happen.

Give yourself a break and just enjoy the work of piecing this puzzle together, knowing that one day your puzzle will be completed.

[icyounurse, BSN, RN]

Cut yourself some slack, nobody knows everything:specs: I am sure you are doing better than you think. I am trying to start ACNP this summer, I am pretty excited about it.

[AngelfireRN, MSN, RN, APRN]

I chose ACNP because, since I live in north AL, my choices were ACNP or FNP. This area is saturated with FNPs, and I thought ACNP would be more marketable. I, too, am burned out of the hospital, and hope to do primarily clinic practice in specialty.

Thanks for the words of encouragement, all. I appreciate it.