Feel like giving up

[Mat4mel]

I had my first at the hospital yesterday and made several mistakes. I'm such a goofball and wondering if nursing just isn't for me. Here are my mistakes:

1) I was going to give an injectiona nd almost forgot to use an alcohol swab. My instructor was standing there and reminded me and I used it and then, I didn't know there was a cap on the end of it. I looked like such an idiot! I didn't set up anythign for garbage so I kept having to hand my instructor all of the trash.

2) I am a germaphobe, big time and someone asked me to go change a pillow case for a patient that had betadine on it. I DIDN'T USE GLOVES!! I realized this after I did it and immediately left the room and used the hand sanitizer. I have a paper cut that I got the night before, as well. Where was my brain? Now I'm freaking out a little bit that I caught something. How could I forget this? Maybe I'm not cut out for this.

Everyone else in my group seemed to know what they were doing but I have had no medical experience before and felt totally lost. Especially with the no-glove thing.. please tell me if I'm going to be okay.

[Jenny67]

{Hugs} to you. You won't forget to use an alcohol swab or to put gloves on your hands again will you? And that's what matters in my opinion, especially since this was your first hospital clinical day. The professor was with you and reminded you of your steps. Don't compare yourself to the other classmates unless you were standing beside/behind them during the entire clinical {which I don't think you have time to do}. It sounds to be like your mistakes were related to nursing student jitters, hang in there, and learn from your mistakes.

Jenny

[suzy253, RN]

Yes, definitely sounds like nursing student jitters, especially when your instructor is looking over your shoulder at each and every movement you make.

Hang in there...it does get better! Chin up!

[xobrwneyedgrlxo]

i agree with the others, sounds like you just have the jitters! Dont put yourself down and feel that you are not cut out to be a nurse, you are cut for it and you will succeed! try to think positive thoughts! What happened to you is perfectly normal for a first time experience especially not having any medical experience prior to you going to nursing school! Hang in there, and like the others said, i bet you'll never forget to wash your hands again:nuke:

Amber:heartbeat

[whiteoleander5]

My first day in the hospital is tomorrow, and I am just PRAYING for everything to go smoothly.... (IE: I dont make silly mistakes because Im nervous lol)... Like everyone else said, this is LEARNING, dont forget that. Even though its embarassing and sucks when you do silly things, you're learning! Now you know for next time. I'll be just as nervous as you are, Its completely normal. You just have to get through it...:zzzzz

...But getting through alive is the challenging part.

[9livesRN, BSN, RN]

in january when i go to the hospital, i think i am going to make quick flashcard reminders and just kinda discretly check them? (is that allowed?)

just incase the nervousness takes control!

[quiet_one]

What you are feeling is normal!

I am currently in my third semester and I still have days I come home feeling like I can't handle it (it does get better though), but you learn something new EVERY day your at clinicals. Don't forget your not a nurse yet, your just learning and your instructors know that!

lol, don't worry your classmates feel just as messed up as you do (just read the forums....everyone does something). They are probably thinking that your the one that really has it together :)

Hang in there!