Finding myself terrified of looking stupid in clinicals

[reddragonfly]

I just finished the first semester of the ADN program I'm in. I have 3 more to go. My experience in clinicals this past semester left me wondering if I have what it takes to be a nurse. Some days were great, but others left me feeling like my critical thinking skills are lacking. I've never worked in the healthcare field and it's all new to me. I felt foolish when dealing with the CNA's and LVN's because they know way more than me and I'm in school to be an RN. And it didn't help that the majority of the nurses seem to not like the fact that you're there. I had one nurse who was great and she encouraged me to do things and helped me... that day I put in my first NG tube, gave a heparin injection and started a foley catheter. I left feeling like I could do this. But all of the other days I felt like I was a fish out of water. I was afriad of looking foolish and when I would ask questions some of the nurses acted annoyed and made me feel stupid... which makes me feel like I just don't have what it takes. How can I gain more confidence?! Am I the only one who feels this way in clinicals? Most of my classmates are already CNA's at least and have years of experience. I've been a secretary for years and am terrified of making a mistake and hurting someone. I'd like to be confident enough to take more initiative but I'm afraid the one thing I do would be contraindicated or something. :) Any advice on how to get past these apprehensive feelings?

[blueyesue]

It is natural to feel apprehensive. After all, this is a brand new field you are embarking on. Try to keep in mind that each nurse walked in those shoes in the past. They were new and had to "learn the ropes" and adjust to their surroundings.

I wouldn't say you are a fish out of water, but you definitely are a new fish in the tank. It takes awhile to get used to the new environment. Give it some time and you will adapt. Just like those did before you. :)

Don't get down on yourself. It would be impossible for you to come in with a handle on everything. There is a learning curve. Allow yourself the freedom and room to learn.

Congrats on your new adventure!

[Always_Learning, BSN, RN]

Hi there,

I have to remind myself of this also, but do you know your apprehension is a good thing? Most experienced RNs and faculty will tell you there is nothing more frightening (and dangerous) than a "know-it-all" student. Knowing your limitations is a good thing, because you know when to ask for help. And please don't feel "less than" if experienced CNAs/LPNs are outshining you...guess what? When it comes to the "real world" (outside of school), experience matters quite a bit. That means in certain circumstances, a long-time CNA will know more than a new RN. Doesn't mean their jobs are interchangeable, but it does mean we can work together as a team to help each other. So take heart! This is your time to "look stupid" and learn...and pretty soon some nursing student will be looking at YOU and saying, "Man, s/he makes it look so easy! I feel so stupid..." LOL :yeah:Best wishes!

[happilymarried]

Please don't take offense to this because it is not meant that way but your critical thinking skills ARE still lacking! You are a first semester student with no medical experience! I can say that because I, too, was a first semester student and worked as a receptionist at a diesel engine shop (I'm about to start my fourth semester now and I still work at the diesel engine shop)... However, three semesters later, now I have 10 times the confidence during clinicals. Just give yourself time, you will get there! I still have tons to learn and there are still many times when I feel inadequate but I am getting there and you will too!!! Best of luck to you!!!

[mystic33]

Hi Reddragon!

I emphasize totally with what you are saying/feeling. I am a senior now in nursing school and I was exactly like you my first semester. I guarantee that you will look back at this thread a couple clinicals in and realize that it's a phase all of us went through and it will pass.

One important thing, never compare your skills with other people. You are at the level you at; all you need to do is focus on improving. There will always be people with better skills and by comparing yourself, you will only end up putting yourself down. Hang in there because the clinical experience, as you learn more and build your confidence, will get better.

[reddragonfly]

Thank you everyone. I guess I'm just going to have to embrace my apprehension for now and accept that this is normal. I appreciate your thoughts and opinions. Makes me feel much better!

[Mineee45]

Your new, your learning no one is born with anything. Everyone started where you are starting. If you remember that you'll go along way.

[JazzyJ601]

I also felt this way my first semester and still feel like this now sometimes. This nursing world was extremely new to me. What i would suggest is that you practice your clinical skills as much as possible, this will help with confidence. After picking up my patient on wednesdays, i would go home and watch them perform whatever clinical skill i would be performing on thurs and fri.If i knew that i would be hanging a iv bag, doing a push, or could possibly be removing a foley, i would watch those videos the night before. It helps alot

[aussiemom]

Congratulations on your journey! First semester clinicals were a bit unnerving. Could you speak with your instructor about your progress- your strengths, weaknesses, etc, for an outside angle on how you're doing? You sound as if you are careful and conscientious- essential for RNs. I've found through several rotations with my clinical group that we each have our strengths and weaknesses, from those who are currently patient care aides to those with no medical field experience. This is not to say you should compare your performance to that of others, because in the end, it's you and your license. Trust that you will get to where you need to be with time and experience. There are cranky nurses who do not want to teach you and will make it clear that you are in the way (yes, this happened to me). However, know that YOU are not the problem for these folks. They don't know anything about you. It's about them. Do your best with whatever situation you are given, because grace under pressure counts for a great amount. You will not be perfect and that is expected! You are learning. Take each day and begin it with a smile, because it is another chance, a fresh start of sorts. When you are paired with a nurse who will let you do things, take full advantage of this situation. Study up on your procedures, patho, etc. Always come prepared to clinicals and stay positive. You can absolutely do this!!

[CBsMommy]

I would agree with all of the above posters in that, this is something new and with that, comes a great deal of uneasiness! I would also like to add, that when dealing with grumpy RN's (I've had them before too), I would make sure that I would help them do something that you know how to do. For instance, when I was in CNA clinicals, and the RN I was working with would have to do 1, 2 and 3 but still needed to get Patient 4's blood sugar, I would volunteer to go get the blood sugar for her while she attended to the other 3 things. That helps a great deal and really makes a difference as to whether they want to teach you or not. Or, if you are having a particularly hard RN that you are working with, pipe up and say, "Hey, do you mind if I do this foley or whatever"? Sometimes they get into a groove that they don't realize they haven't been teaching and will gladly step aside for a little breather while watching your work.

The only other thing that I can say is pay attention in your lab before clinicals. If you practice, practice, practice, you will be more willing to jump in at clinicals feet first! Once you get into a groove, it's easier to complete your clinical work and you have a better reputation with the staff! Good luck and know that you can do have what it takes to be a nurse and be patient with yourself. You are just learning! Good luck!