Extreme Anxiety during clinicals

[kbullinger]

I am an older student (49) in my final semester of an ADN program. I should graduate in December 2009. I am very anxious in the clinical setting. I get very anxious about performing in front of the patient and my instructor. I don't feel secure in my clincial skills and have a great fear of making mistakes. I can't take the pressure I have put on my self. The other students (either LPN's or younger students) seem to have the confidence and performance with their skills, which makes me feel even worse. Im thinking about withdrawing. this is something I really want to do but I can handle the anxiety in the hospital. Any suggestions on how to get over this anxiety will be greatly appreciated.

[brianjames601]

Something I often try and remind myself to do(as I very often forget)----is to BREATHE. Now and then take a very deep breath and hold it in for a few seconds--maybe more like 20-30 seconds. Also, draw upon your life experience. You have been through much in your life and perservered, and remember the bigger picture. The sun WILL rise tomorrow and everything will play out just as it's supposed to. Your many strengths right now may be hidden from yourself because you feel inadequate, but you have skills that others do not and so breathe deep, smile, hold your head up high, and go get what's yours!

[CCITSN]

Thank you for your thoughts! It's likely I don't breathe...It's what you advise for physical pain, and probably just as useful for painful clinical experiences. Thanks for the encouragement.

[NIUredblack]

I was in the same boat as you. I think that it's one of those things that you eventually just get used to with more and more practice. You will feel more confident in your skills in time, hang in there!

[CCITSN]

Thanks--just knowing others havw had this same experience helps...

[20mom10]

When I was extremely nervous, my clinical instructor gave me the best advice I've ever gotten: The patient has no idea of what you are "supposed" to be doing, if you act like you know what you are doing they will be comfortable, they won't know if you made a mistake, and eventually you will know what you are supposed to do and you will make mistakes sometimes, everyone does.

The mistakes obviously can't be big ones or safety related ones, but simple beginner mistakes.

[Kevin RN08]

What worked for me, was I talked my way through the assessment or procedure aloud, with or without my CI there. That seemed to help the stage fright. But you have to be prepared and know the steps, there again I read them aloud, repeatedly until I could recite the steps.