Fear of Nursing and Bedside Care

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Aug 20, 2005

First of all.........calm down!! No one is forcing you to go through with this.......only you know, deep down, if nursing is the right choice for you. Frankly, you probably would be better off taking a 'sabbatical' and giving yourself some time to figure all this out, than to go on to your final semester with that much doubt in your mind.

There was one student in my own class who dropped out in the last term for the same reasons; she wasn't sure nursing was what she wanted to do, and she just didn't feel ready to take on the responsibility. Guess what? She went to work at a local supermarket, realized that she DID want to be a nurse, and went on to graduate the following year........now she works in the ICU at a nearby hospital, and from what I hear she is a great nurse. Sometimes it just takes a little time, and a little distance, in order to gain the perspective needed to make that commitment (or NOT). Trust me, you'll thank yourself later on for giving yourself that time. :)

papawjohn · Aug 20, 2005

Hey Angelica

Listen to the great advice for Mrs MLJ. Don't be so hard on yourself. The emotional risks of being a good nurse are pretty serious; the skills you can learn. The worst reason for deciding NOT to be a nurse is because you don't know if you can start on IV or Foliate someone.

Taking a weekend or a semester or a year and deciding if you really wanna be a nurse won't hurt ya, either. If you really want to do it, relax--you'll do it.

Papaw John

Katnip, RN · Aug 20, 2005

First, many, many new nurses don't feel competent to jump in and start working at the bedside. And most really aren't. School doesn't really prepare students for the real world. Most students graduate without having done and least some of the skills. That's where orientations come in. And even then, nursing is an ongoing education.

We were only taught how to start IVs on a computer. In Maryland it was and I think still is against the law for students to start IVs and draw blood. Go figure.

I had done lots of Foleys but had never seen an ostomy. I had a woman from another school who had never done a Foley but knew ostomys inside out. Neither of us had ever dropped an NG tube.

As for bedside nursing, there are a lot of nurses that have jobs other than bedside, though it does help to have a year's experience somewhere first.

Good luck, whatever you decide to do.

angelica_rn2b · Aug 20, 2005

Thank you to those who have responded so far. Your words help me alot. I think I am just jittery (understatement?) because school is starting in 2 days. While I remember 3rd semester clinical all too well, I got through it. I think I just needed reassurance in knowing that I'm not the only one who had thoughts such as these and those people got through it. Thanks again

krisssy · Aug 20, 2005

I had that same fear , but it was in 1969. I graduated from a four year terrific nusing school, and I was too afraid that I couldn't give a shot. We didn't do so much of what the nurses of today do. Doctor's did a lot of it.But I had only given two shots, and had a hard time with one if them because the lady was old and had very thin skin. So I got a job in a school instead of at the bedside where I really wanted to be. It was a mistake. I was a school teacher after just two years of being a school nurse teacher., and I never got to fulfill my original dream-all about FEAR. Now I have retired from school teaching, took a med surg refresher course, and I am going to take an online course in learning to be a psychiatric nurse pratitioner. Then I want to work in a long term facility as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I am NOT afraid anymore. I know when I took the refresher course, I ASKED to do every needle stick and every procedure I could get my hands on. My advise is, ask your teacher if you can do what you are afraid of doing. Tell her you need practice. You have to ask in school, so they know what you need. Krisssy

navywife757 · Aug 20, 2005

I am a LPN to be and I feel the exact same way. I am passing all of my classes w/ flying colors and usually have one of the highest grades in the class however when I get to the bedside I get so nervous and I feel like I am going to fail. There have been days since we started clinicals that I feel like running as fast as I could in the opposite direction. The thing is I was talking w/ one of my instructors and she told me that I was the last one she thought that would quit. In fact she expected me to succeed b/c of the book knowledge and the :redbeathe she says she has seen in me. I feel like this is what I want to do when I am in the classroom but I freeze up when I get to the bedside.

FutureRN2005 · Aug 20, 2005

Hang in there.

I am also getting ready to begin my last semester in 2 days. And I was in the same boat you are in. Previously I would get so nervous about clinicals that I wouldnt get any sleep the night before. I also feel like I am missing skills that I just have not had the opportunity to practice in clinicals. But most nurses tell me that you will really learn what you need to know after school as far as skills go. And that I will get to do alot more during my up comming preceptorship this semester. So I wouldn't worry about the skills too much. As far as not liking bedside care... Is there any area that you liked in school and could maybe see yourself doing? Even just long enough to get some experience under your belt. Because there is so much you can do with your nursing degree besides bedside nursing.

Good Luck :)

babynurselsa, RN · Aug 20, 2005

First do not think or expect that you should or will learn it all in nursing school. That is just a starting point to get you to a basic level of competence to practice.

Once you get out there you should get a thorough orientation to whatever area you decide to work in. While on orientation you or your preceptor can seek out skills that you need to attain, perfect or get comfortable with.

Say one day your preceptor ask the other nurses on the floor to come and get you for IV starts, foley placements, NG tubes. Depending on what area you go to work in will factor into how many of some procedures are available or required.

I think the reality of being close to graduation and "turned loose" is overwhelming. You will be learning new things about your job forever, or at least you should.

Take a deep breath and don't feel like you need to know it all or be able to do it all right now. Just be willing to seek chances to learn.

Hang in there and I wish you well.

sweetcheekers · Aug 20, 2005

I just finished my nursing program in July and am waiting for authorization to take my RN Boards. I graduated at the top of a class of nearly 100 and felt so confident during my second year (2 year ADN program). Now that I've been finished for awhile I feel so removed from the nursing field. I have nearly had panic attacks thinking of all the things that could go wrong when I start work. Every job I consider gives me a new scenario in my head in which I screw up somehow. I think it is because during school I felt very sheltered and had the security of an instructor nearby and the excuse of being a student anytime I didn't know something. I feel like as a real RN people aren't going to be as forgiving when I'm clueless and I am afraid I'll be judged as incompetent or stupid if I don't have it all figured out. I can't tell you that nursing is right for you, but don't let these types of fears hold you back. It is normal to be overwhelmed in a field as complex and diverse as nursing. There is no way to ever know it all or be totally prepared. I know that I have to overcome my anxiety and push on because I'm certain God created me for this purpose. I was 28 years old with two kids before I started nursing school, and once I was doing nursing care, I realized this is exactly why I'm here and why so many things happened to get me on this path. I felt fulfilled and like all of my strengths were being used to benefit others as well as giving me a sense of purpose. I really excelled at this and it was clear it was what I was made to do. That said, it still scares the crap out of me but I had someone tell me that is how you know you are ready. They said that when you have that healthy degree of anxiety and fear, you are demonstrating the awareness of the responsibility you have and you are taking it very seriously. My preceptor said "When somone is not scared and is not asking me questions that is when I get worried (too cocky.)" By the way, I have done a few foleys and a few IV's but I'm not any where near competent on the IVs especially. I have never had a Pt with a trach and have never suctioned someone. My program spent 16 hours a week in clinicals and I had classmates who had never put in a foley. Don't beat yourself up. When the next opportunity arrives think of it as your chance to learn. You don't have to do it "right" the first time, or the second. It is a chance to practice and figure out how to do it so you can eventually do it with ease. Even seasoned nurses don't get all of their "skills stuff" perfect every time. Cut yourself some slack and think of how far you have come. You can do it!!!!!:)

gerinurse10 · Aug 21, 2005

Hi: I've been a nurse for about 12 years and I can't stand hands on, bedside care. I hate the responsibility that goes with it, the feeling you have to know everything. To this day I hate giving injections. I don't want to wash anyone up. Do I sound terrible? Just recently I have come to the conclusion that it is OK to not like that part of nursing. I used to beat myself up with, you are a nurse you are supposed to like this stuff! Well I didn't and I still don't. Instead of doing hands on care I have chosen to use my clinical experience in management. I still have patient contact because I have to make sure everyone else is doing what they are supposed to be doing. I like that role much better. So don't give up on nursing. We all have to find our niche. I fell into my present job after years of homecare and really enjoy it. Thankfully you can do just about anything with your RN. Hang in there and good luck. PS: Once you have that RN after your name your good to go in whatever direction you want!! (pay is pretty good too!:) )

ali_gator · Aug 21, 2005

It sounds as if you're being terribly hard on yourself. Does your school have an on site counselor? Perhaps it would help to talk with somebody. Some nursing students find this helpful when they become overwhelmed. Also, you might want to read How to Survive and Maybe Even Love Nursing School. It gives some helpful tips on coping with the stress that accompanies being a nursing student.