In over my head - PLEASE HELP!

Nursing Students General Students

Published

To all of you student nurses out there who are going down the same path and have wisdom to spread on to newbies like me... I could really use some support and hugs.

I was just accepted into an RN program for the Spring of '08. I am only 20 years old and have zero experience in the medical field. I do not have my CNA or LPN, ZERO experience. However, I have always had a 4.0 GPA and am a quick learner and have confidence in my abilities...

Looking around this website and talking to other people is really breaking my spirits. I was so happy to be accepted into the program but now I feel like having no experience is a really big disadvantage. I feel like - WHAT AM I GETTING MYSELF INTO?! Clinicals start in a few months and I have no idea what I'm doing. I look around and feel like everyone before me got at least their CNA before becoming an RN. Am I the only one who had no experience beforehand?!

Does anyone have any words to settle my stomach about not having any experience in the medical field? I know everyone has to start somewhere but the nursing profession seems so overwhelming to me right now. I am scared of falling on my face.

I could really use some help. Thanks you guys.

Specializes in Med/Surg, Tele, IM, OB/GYN, neuro, GI.

You have nothing to worry about. When you get past your first semester you will be right there with everyone that has medical experience. Having experience in nursing school is a double edge sword. It's good because you have had your feet wet in some areas (bed baths, feedings, transfers) but at the same time you have to "forget it" because it may not be by the book and in school real world doesn't count 90% of the time.

One of my friends that's in the program is an older woman, never went to college, and the only medical experience she has is going to the doctor. She is one of the top ten in class and has no problems doing procedures or understanding the material. Most of the CNA's that were in our class are gone because they were struggling with the real world vs. school.

As for being nervous everyone is nervous, it's a good thing. It just means that you want to do a good job. Don't worry you'll be fine.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Ortho, Stroke, Neuro, Gyn.

You will be fine. I am just starting my program, too and I can completely relate to what you are feeling. Everyone gets the jitters, but I am sure after a few weeks (or months maybe) we will find some kind of comfort zone. Just try to breathe and take baby steps. I recommend the movie "What About Bob?" for comic relief.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Wow, you guys have really built me up. I can't give you all enough thanks! I feel motivated again and ready to go. I have so much PASSION and can't wait to get started! I won't let my confidence slip again - I'll keep my head up and keep a positive attitude! One day at a time! Thanks so much everyone! I really appreciate the help everyone is so willing to give...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adult/ped/neonatal/ICU/Trauma ER nurse.

Do not panic make sure your hospital have a orientation process to the unit you will be assigned,make sure you get a good preceptor ,talk to your hiring manager or HR to make sure you get the starting feet well ,if I was you I will go into any hospital educational course that give you ACLS ,or anything needed for you to survive ,if it is cardiac EKG course or pediatrics PALSi,t will help you with panic situations ,make sure they will paid for it as soon as you start withing 6 months. Do not do anything without asking or if you do not know the drug to give call the pharmacist in the hospital they will help you always ,ask how to diluted or give it safetly .They are my best resources make sure you know the policies and procedures for any intervention ask your preceptor or mnager for the book in the unit. Read the orders taking by phone back to the doctor to check any mistake and w rite TO:your nameRN/read back to confirmed your initials.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
The ones that did are finding Fundamentals a little easier as far as skills and clinicals go, but from what I've read that advantage dissipates once you're past this semester.

Not even the whole first semester! I have been a CNA four 4 years and though experience may help a little at the VERY beginning they lost me once we started care plans and charting like a nurse! Pharmacology is whipping me too! Plus as other posters have said CNAs have to unlearn their bad habits! You will be fine, Patients and teachers alike will understand your a student and most will be infinitely patient w/you! Good Luck and welcome!;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have to tell you that ALL students in my program who work in the hospital (as right-hand-men) to nurses and medical staff have NO clue what they're doin... They go by what they see and do terribly on the exams.

I'm just like u, no experience, great grades, and high hopes...

but I'm doing okay.. you'll be fine! don't worry:flowersfo

Up Vote Up Vote ×

good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, Emergency Department.

I was twenty when I started my ADN program in Fall '07. I came from a background of zero medical experience, having been a waitress for most of my "life before nursing school". I fought with myself in my head for years about whether or not I could do it. I watched my grandfather suffer a major heart attack and end up having a triple bypass and wondered if I really could do it. I watched my little brother die in the PICU and wondered if I really could do it.

I was pushed into the patient's room on my first day of clinical because I was terrified of even TALKING to a stranger in that position, and I wondered if I could do it. I remember vividly my first incontinent patient, my first bed bath, my first injection administration, my first dressing change, my first patient with dementia, my first violent patient, my first dying patient... and I wondered each time if I could really do it.

Well, it's now the end of my first year, I'm halfway there, and I'm doing it.

And you can too, if nursing is, in your heart, what you want. Just trust your instincts and give yourself a chance. What have you got to lose? You'll know right away if it's not for you. And if it is, welcome :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Post Anesthesia.

Experience is overrated. Many of the RN students I've worked with spend a lot of thier time "unlearning" things they have done is NAs or LPNs. The only thing experience gives you is a better picture of what nursing really is like and if you want to spend your life doing it before you waste your $ and time in a nursing education program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I was the same way! I got into class and felt like I was the only one there who didn't have previous experience in the medical field and I felt like I would be left behind. But that was never the case. I fit right in. I have no trouble with the information and it comes good to me. I start med/surg clinicals this summer along with peds and I'm very nervous about it because of the fact that I have little experience in hospitals. When I had my first clinical I was worried about how it would be to interact with patients because I had never done that, but once I got in there I just fell right in and it came pretty easily to me.

You will be fine! Just study hard, and have fun. Congratulations = )

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hey ErinRena, just wanted to post again and let you know that I finished my first year and did fine, it is hard but definitely doable and I didn't come into this program with a 4.0 like you are...you'll do just fine!:up:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

No experience here either! I was also scared but figured if others could do it so could I. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment