Feel incompetent

[whatwasithinking75]

Hey everyone

New member here. Decided to join for support. I'm 8 months into a pn program and am beginning to ask myself what in the h e double hockey sticks was I thinking. I couldn't get into an ADN program last year so decided to go for PN and the plan was to bridge into an rn program.... but..... I don't even know if Ill make it that far.

Between having no life, no time for myself, impossible tests, psychotic clinical instructors, and the level of incompetence I'm feeling in regards to nursing I am really beginning to question my decision to become a nurse. I'm not making excuses... I just feel dumb.

Thing is I don't know what else I would do. Ive worked as a tech for the last ten years and caring for others is what Im good at. I know now the world of a tech vs. a nurse are worlds apart. I feel like I embody everything that makes a good nurse except book smarts. Im really beginning to feel like I'm not good enough.

Is this normal? I'm too far in now to quit the program... Is nursing school anything like real life nursing?

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

No, as you know, real life has far more demands and expectations. In school, you are somewhat shielded, given textbook perfect situations. Just keep at it, you'll be fine.

[pmabraham, BSN, RN]

Welcome to the new normal that we all go through.

[whatwasithinking75]

Well, I'm glad I'm not the only one.

[Kuriin, BSN, RN]

Feeling incompetent is normal, especially in nursing school. You will learn to deal with it and grow a thick skin (hopefully).

[Jcgirl]

We've all been there. Life in general mixed with school can be a bumpy ride. I graduate in June (yay! Finally) and nearly had a mental breakdown going over my notes for my upcoming 14 chapter OB test on Monday. I put it down and came back to it feeling much more confident. Hang in there, you'll get through it.