Scared nursing student

Erbn Girl · May 19, 2000

Dear Rebecca! If you were not anxious, I think you would be in the minority of nursing students! I started nursing at a later age (36 years old) and was anxious most of the time through school. There is a lot to learn, concepts to comprehend and hands-on training to obtain and what we usually fear the most is...the unknown. This is a new career for you and with the support you have at home as well as new students just like yourself, you will prosper into an excellent nurse if you keep your goals and dreams always in your thoughts. Nursing is definitely NOT all textbook data and much of what you will learn will not be in a book. This comes with experience, period. As far as NOT looking at the bulletin boards, I disagree. Many students like yourself are also experiencing the same type of "jitters" and may feel comforted to know there is another fellow student in the same predicament. Keep your chin up Rebecca because although your career will deal you many a blow sometimes, how you feel in your heart about nursing almost always overpowers.

Kyshine1 · May 19, 2000

Hi Rebecca!

Since I live very close to you I thought I'd reply to your question. I started Nursing School when I was 32 and had 3 small children. I was petrified I was going to fail! I had been out of school for a long time which made it harder.

I won't tell you it was easy. It was probably the hardest thing I've ever done. But like you, I had always wanted to be a nurse so I just kept plugging.

I've been a nurse for 20 years now and I've never regreted it for a minute. There are many negative things about nursing but there are wonderful perks too. The grateful look in a patient's eyes being one of them.

You can email me anytime. Are you going to NKU? Good luck! I'm sure you'll make a fine nurse.

TRN · May 19, 2000

Yes, it can be scary, but you will be okay. I promise. The instructors watch your every move...don't forget, their license is on the line also. Be prepared for a lot of work though. Is it a 2 or 4 year degree? I'm almost finished. Yes, it's been hard, but this is my goal and nothing will stop me. Good luck!! You can do it!

nursebeady · May 19, 2000

Hi Rebecca,

Your feelings are common to every nurse whether we want to admit them or not. Even after years of practice, I find my self with butterflies.

What I have found over time to help alleviate them is being prepared as much as possible. Knowledge is a great tool and it will help to reduce/eliminate the fear of the unknown.

PS Have a great time in clinicals and enjoy life.

OB4ME · May 20, 2000

Hello, Rebecca! You're about to make a huge committment in your life to schooling and the amazing amount of knowledge that you will be taking in over the next few years. And with that knowledge will come a responsiblity which can greatly affect your patients' lives? Certainly, it is totally normal to be scared! We all have been there! To be honest, the few student nurses in my class who "knew it all" and showed no fear...are the few nurses I wouldn't let near me with a 10 foot pole!!! So, embrace the new knowledge and skills, and use your "fear" to keep you always careful and conscientious when giving patient care! It will take you far! Good luck!

Nancy1 · May 20, 2000

Hi Rebecca,

Just take things one day at a time and make sure you have some calendar (DayTimer, Franklin, or one you buy in the bookstore) to keep yourself on track.

Also remember to have some time for yourself. You need to take care of yourself. Best of Luck, NA

LaurieCRNP2002, MSN, RN, APRN · May 20, 2000

Rebecca

First of all, good luck to you in nursing school. I don't know what your employment situation is, but you might want to consider taking a part-time job working as a nursing assistant (or some similar position) in either a nursing home or hospital. That way, by the time you start your clinical rotations in the fall, you will feel more comfortable working with patients. Again, good luck to you in pursuing your nursing degree!

Laurie

iodine · May 21, 2000

I still remember the first time I signed a chart with my name followed by S.N. I remember vividly the first time I wrote R.N. , you will too. That first visit in a patient room was the hardest and the above suggestion to find work as a nurse tech or even volunteer(who can afford THAT) is the greatest way to introduce yourself to patient care. Also, if you have long breaks or vacations, it's a good way to make a bit of $$$ and the benefits of extra time at the bedside cannot be measured in the amount you will learn that nsg. school cannot teach you. I believe we all wish you the very best of luck and just remember that school is not real world----soak up as much as you can from ALL people you work with---that includes nurse techs and house keeping, too.GOOD LUCK

julibug7 · May 21, 2000

I can remember the day well. I can just see the interview questionairre they gave me to ask my first patient. I was so nervous. He was an older gentleman who was going to be discharged that afternoon. He was a very kind and patient man. He helped me get through my first day of clinical. I will always have a place in my heart for that man. He gave me the confidence to go to the next clinical. It was 15 years ago, but it was like yesterday. Good luck and success as a nurse. Julie

NurseMom · May 22, 2000

Rebecca...

You CAN do it! I went back to school to become a nurse when I was 32....a single mom of FIVE children. School during the day, worked nights, did homework, papers, studied from midnight to 2 or 3 a.m. It will be the hardest thing you'll ever do, but well worth your effort. My kids were great...but it was hard juggling everything. I'm sure having a supportive hubby will help enormously!

The best of luck to you...please keep us posted on your progress!

------------------

Laurie :)

so many patients...

so little time.....

Newnurse · May 22, 2000

Dear Rebecca,

Reading your e-mail reminded me of myself two years ago when I was starting the associate degree nursing program that I just graduated from this spring.Students started out with 6 weeks of clinical at the county nursing home to learn the 'bedside'. I had no experience with taking care of bedridden people or those with alzhiemers,whom could be quite difficult. During preconferance I would be in a cold sweat. It was hard at first, but other students with experience as aids helped me out and taught me to not take verbal assalts by pts. personally.By the middle of my second semester at the hospital, I felt comfortable at the bedside,and as school went on, more and more so with each clinical rotation. I ended up doing very well in clincals and classroom, earning three nursing scholarships. So, my point is, don't get yourself all tied up in knots about clinical. If you like people and are dedicated to learning your nursing skills, You will get through that first semester, and clinical will become an exciting learning experience, not a nerve-wracking ordeal. Believe me, if I could do it, anyone can. By the way, I started nsg school as a thirtysomething with 2 kids and supportive husband. Hang tough, its gonna be a bumpy ride, but when its over you'll be a better and more self-confident person-and also a NURSE!