did you ever feel this way?

Almostthere , don't worry you will be fine .I had the same thoughts when I was ready for graduation . I talked with one of my instructers . She told me there was two kinds of new nurses , ones who didn't think they knew anything and ones who thought they knew everything .If you don't know you can learn .She was right .

Originally posted by almostthere:

I'm a current nursing student in a 2 year RN program. I am finishing my second semester and feel as though I still know so little. For some reason its like my mind goes blank whenever I am with an instructor and they start asking me questions about a patient I have. These thoughts of inadequacy sometimes make me feel as though I have chosen the wrong career path. I was just wondering if any of you experienced nurses ever felt this way in school? Thanks for all posts.

Mel in VA

Hi almostthere! I have been a nurse for 7 years, and nursing school still haunts me!! I actually suffered panic attacks and anxiety in school and I took antianxiety meds prn. You know more than you think you know. When you take your boards and pass, then you really know you know a lot. When you start your first job, they will train you and hopefully be there to answer all your questions. Nursing is a career where you are always learning and technology is always changing. Don't worry, you will be fine!!! Good luck!!

My first shift was a day shift at a large hospital. (Making me think it probably would be a good thing to get your first job in one of the hospitals you did clinical in.)

I finally had my 8:00 meds set up at 10:30, I had 22 IV's one LPN and 2 N/A's.

I enter my first room with meds sitting in little white cups on an aluminum tray to hold them and med cards.

I dropped something on the floor, stooped down to pick it up causng the tray in my hand to catch the corner of the patients bed stand.

I looked up and saw a rainbow of colors in the air all coming to land in different cups.

I returned to med room and passed only criticals for heart etc.

Next I walk in a room and see a patient with her IV separated and blood beginning to run down her arm. I Froze!

Another nurse handled it as I watched.

I left so fast at shift end I took the narcotic keys with me and had to go back with them.

Hey, you'll do just fine don't worry.

Louie

Mel in Va,

You are describing exactly how I felt through nursing school and whenever I was learning vast amount of info. in a short period of time. I have a theory that the reason you cant call up the information you need right away is that you are still storing and internalizing it. It will all come together believe me! After being a nurse for 15 years, going back to school for my BSN and then my MSN I have learned to trust that I have the knowledge and I can use it even if at that moment when your put on the spot by your instructor you cant remember it.

Keep the faith!

You're just on overload, Honey. I've been a nurse for 19 years and last night at work I had to look up two meds, my point being you're never going to know everything. That's the beauty of being a nurse. Don't be afraid to say "I don't know; I'll have to look it up." I agree with other posts - it's not what you don't know so much as what you THINK you know and don't. I know this isn't easy at this point, but try to let go of school for a few hours and do something for yourself. Go to the beach, take in a movie, go out to lunch. Sometimes getting away for a few hours puts things in better perspective and you come back rejuvenated and ready to jump back in.

I know what you mean about going blank when dealing c/ nsg instructors. It happened to me all the time. But once you graduate they won't be there breathing down your neck asking you impossible questions and that's going to be a good thing. If you have a good preceptor they will give you a little breathing room and let you come to them when you have questions. Good luck, you'll be fine.

Mel, oh my gosh, I am in Front Royal, too, and I am just getting ready to graduate with my ASN! Where are you going to school? Maybe we can get together sometime and talk! And don't worry, I feel exactly the same way you do! I am terrified!

Laura

almost - 1st go tot the off topic board...and hit the thread I started titled "wild, susy K, hollykate, level II, etc" tell us a little about yourself.

second, I can assure you that no matter what some of the alleged iron willed people say, we all felt like that in nursing school at some point. It doesn't end there either. Once out of school all I could think was, I have so much knowledge, and did so well in school, I could do anything anyone else could....and just as good! let me tell you, when I look back, it started all over, self doubt the first 6 months etc etc. there is so much more to learn once you are done with school, and the learning process never stops. Keep you head up, and keep going, don't break down, you will be fine

Rick