First clinical competency was a disaster

[iwearadrstethoscope]

I had my first clinical competency today, October 14, and I had to pass meds and take a blood pressure on my clinical instructor. He's basically in charge of the college's nursing program so I was very nervous. I know how to do blood pressures but I couldn't hear the systolic and I instantly started to tear up. I don't even know why it happened. I just was so nervous and got mad that I messed up something so simple. My two instructors both noticed and said it was okay and to try again. I did and was fine with it. Should I go and apologize to my professor for crying? I just got really overwhelmed and I got so flustered. I realize that was highly unprofessional and I made a complete fool of myself and I'm beating myself up over it. Please help. Thank you!

[Mavrick, BSN, RN]

This is from a new grad on another thread: "So yesterday was my first day and the first time that I met (my preceptor) and one of the first things he said to me was that if I am going to cry I shouldn't do it in front of him and I should go somewhere else and do it."

So, I guess crying happens but you have to get a handle on it when you start working as an RN.

[target98765]

Don't beat yourself up!!! It is very stressful and it is new. Be kind to yourself, the whole thing is stressful. Hey I had an ugly cry in front of my BOSS!!!

[RegularNurse]

I've had students cry from anxiety. Nobody cares you cried, many students do. Just don't cry publicly when you start working because composure is a big part of being a nurse. Good luck with school, you will be fine.