Feeling awkward at clinicals

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Specializes in MedSurg, Clinic, ER.

I have real issues with feeling awkward at clinicals. :( Granted, today was only my third clinical day, but I really feel clumsy and unsure... lack of confidence, maybe?

How long does this last? Most of my clinical group seems to be relaxing into things already... so I wonder if maybe I am missing something.

It's not a lack of knowledge.. I've got that pretty well 'down'... so what can I do to build my own confidence?:uhoh3:

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Specializes in LTC, Rehab, CNA, HHA, Nurse Mentor.

Go in there, ready and willing. Just realize that this environment is your stepping stone to greatness. Be calm and don't panic. Every great nurse, from Nightingale to Dorothea Dix to Clara Barton have all walked the plank of nursing covered in fear and anxiety of the unknown and you too will be one of them (just without the dresses and scrutiny of it all.)

However, given it is your 3rd day, the newness of it all will wear off shortly. If it doesn't, then try not to be the student nurse that ran out of the hospital screaming because a patient coughed. Good luck, Have Fun and Hang in There Darlin' there's a more to come!:lol2:

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Specializes in MedSurg, Clinic, ER.

Thanks... I guess I just needed reassurance that it does wear off... lol... I'm not entirely brand new to LTC settings... but that was as a CNA, not an SVN.. I'm learning little by little that it is a completely different thing...

I will be glad when I develop a little more confidence... but hopefully the anxiety doesn't ever get bad enough for me to run screaming lol... :lol2:

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If you're a good CNA, then you're a good nurse. It's all about the compassion, the empathy, the caring. They're the same residents you work with every weekend...just different names. Love them the way you love your regulars. Watch your nurses at work. Talk to them. Get comfortable speaking their language. You'll be fine!

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Specializes in maternal child, public/community health.

Odds are your classmates feel the same way. They are looking at you and saying, "Why am I stressed when s/he is handling it so well?" This is something new so it will be stressful. Even with your experience as a CNA, the expectations for what you do are different. Look for new experiences. If you have free time, ask the nurse you are working with if you can follow her for a little while. Let your clinical instructor know that you are up for doing or observing new things. You will get used to it. Give yourself time.

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