Building/gaining confidence

DeepFriedRN · Oct 17, 2008

As a new nurse, when tackling things I hadn't dealt with before, I always tried to formulate what I thought was the best way to deal with a situation, and then I would ask an experienced nurse that I trusted what they thought.. kind of a run-it-by-them, to make sure that it was appropriate, and that I wasn't missing anything. After a while, I wasn't missing much (not to toot my own horn:thankya:), and that was a big confidence boost because I knew that I was thinking things through the way an experienced nurse was, and it made me feel more sure of my own critical thinking and skills. Does that make sense? Wow, I'm more tired than I thought tonight..:rotfl: Hope that helps!!

pagandeva2000, LPN · Oct 17, 2008

Confidence comes with experience, really. The books, school and clinical are one thing, but the real world is where you will gain that experience. It takes time, and remember that all nurses continue to learn throughout our lives (or at least we hope that they do). For me, it didn't just come all the time...some areas were easier to master than others, but at least twice a week, I come across situations that are unfamiliar to me, and I either have to use a bit of critical thinking to work my way through it, or consult with a more senior nurse for direction.

It may sound cliche', but it will come in time, with experience under your belt and hopefully, a good preceptor.

CHATSDALE · Oct 17, 2008

one foot after the other..most nurses say they have to be working 6 months to a year before they began to really have confidence in their own judgement

ask questions, observe

HeartsOpenWide, RN · Oct 17, 2008

one foot after the other..most nurses say they have to be working 6 months to a year before they began to really have confidence in their own judgement
ask questions, observe

Maybe part of the problem is that I admit that I lack confidence, but everyone in my class has never admitted to it (except for my one friend who is practically a genius so I was really surprised that she said she gets worried around patients even though she Aces all her exams, and has experience). My class is full of a lot of younger students that all brag that they Ace their exams and never study...and of course are full of confidence; like they are trying to show each other up...the competition does not end once in nursing school....sigh...it helps to know I am not some freak, but that other people stress and have to work on their confidence as well; so thanks for your reply, makes me feel better.

lpnflorida · Oct 17, 2008

You can find people who are so called test/exam smart and can not apply the information when it counts in a real life patient experience.

People have given excellent advice already as posted. Confidence to me, is trusting myself to recognize when I do not understand something fully and will find someone who does. Trusting it might have been a long time since I have run up against the problem, so I find someone who has more current experience with the issue. Having the confidence to acknowledge there are those around me to whom I can go to help guide me.

Knowing where the reference books are kept on my unit. Knowing who you can contact outside of your unit to assist with further information. All of these things have been so called confidence builders. It sure helps to know it is okay not to always have the answers , and you can confir with someone else.

chicagrl · Oct 17, 2008

My class is full of a lot of younger students that all brag that they Ace their exams and never study...and of course are full of confidence; like they are trying to show each other up...the competition does not end once in nursing school...

And the "competition" will never end -just don't play into it....Think about it....don't *some* people always want the "best car" or have the "most gifted child" etc....It happens in every facet of life.

Just b/c someone aces a test does not mean they have good clinical skills, I would talk to an instructor, confide in someone who you feel will listen and work with you on this. Perhaps you are being to hard on yourself. :yeah: Awesome for you that you are almost done with a BSN :) congrats

RaeRae1997 · May 4, 2010

I know this message is 2 years old but I'm going to reply in case someone else looks here for advice. I think it's normal to feel a lack of confidence right before graduation. (I remember feeling the same way the last few months of school). I think it means you just realized the importance of the care you give. You are caring enough to want the best outcomes for your patient's. I think a little lack of confidence makes a great new nurse because you will use your resources. The nurses who really scare me are the overconfident one's who think they could never make a mistake. I remember a comment one of my professor's told us. "Do you want a nurse taking care of you who will give you a drug blindly without knowing what it is, or one who will look up something if they're not 100% sure of." I'd rather have the one willing to look up or ask someone about the things there not sure of. Don't ever forget these feelings of lack of confidence, because one day when your training new nurses and they ask you the same question you've heard a million times or it seems like something you think everyone should know. You just smile, answer it in the nicest, sweetest way you know how; because you want them to feel comfortable coming to you with any questions. It will make a better new nurse and keep our patient's safe.