Someone who understands & can relate.

RNSuzq1, RN · Jan 17, 2004

Hi Jenn,

Just read your post and you sound like you need some encouragement!!! Although I haven't started my Nursing Program yet (still waiting to hear if I'll get in this Fall) - I was a Navy Corpsman for years and worked on the wards for a long time. As far as you fumbling with bed baths, etc. - that just sounds like you're so afraid you'll do it wrong - you get really anxious about it. That was one of the first things we learned to do and I found that most of the patients were so happy to get their bed-bath - they didn't mind if we were "all thumbs" at first - just takes some practice.

Re: problems not finding pulses, with bp's, etc. You know if they're breathing - they have both (just a joke to make you laugh). Just take your time and relax and you'll get it. I have one suggestion about listening for lung sounds. I'm not sure how they train you to listen for various lung sounds in Nursing School - but my husband is a Respiratory Therapist and when he was in school he had tapes he could listen to (over and over again) to pick out the various lung sounds. Maybe you could get a similar tape - they really helped him a lot.

You sound like me - not sure what it's called (visual learning) maybe. I can read 10 books on a subject, but until I see a certain procedure done "in person" - it doesn't sink in as well. I'm currently studying for an Algebra placement exam - tried reading the material on my own (it's been 20 years since my last algebra class) but it was like Chinese. My college son started helping me (showing me how to work the problems out) and it was like a light bulb suddenly went on - Bingo - I got it (as much as I'll ever get algebra anyways.. :eek:

You made it this far - probably beat out a lot of other people to get a slot - so obviously your school thinks you have what it takes to be a Nurse. Just don't be so hard on yourself - relax when you're with your patients and give yourself a break. You'll do a Great Job!!! Best of Luck To You. SusanNC

CHH · Jan 17, 2004

I just started school this week so I am not at your stage of the game yet, but everything you wrote is something I worry about happening to me. I think you should continue to push on. You are not superhuman and not many of us memorize 4 to 8 chapters in three days time, no matter how many hours you study. And personally, I think a B is a great job (considering the amount of info you are supposed to memorize and absorb!) At the hospital I am employed at you can get a job as a nursing apprentice. You are teamed up with an RN and they help you get experience. Is there any medical centers in your area that offer these opportunities? You can gain confidence and get paid! I think if sounds like you are doing great, just keep studying and working on the areas you know you need to improve and it will come!

TweetiePieRN · Jan 17, 2004

JUSTJENN:

Hi there!! Please don't quit!! I was you...1 year ago!! I almost quit!! It was only 8 weeks into our semester and my clinical instructor yelled at me because i didn't know what neutropenic meant. She pulled me aside and went on and on about how my care plan was ridiculous (this was my first damn care plan!!). Then she told me that if i ever turn in a careplan like the one i just did, she was going to sign me up for academic probation!!! Are you really hard on yourself? Are you used to doing very well in all parts of your life, being in control so to speak?? I can say yes to all of those. That is why I wanted to quit... i was no longer in control, i didnt feel like i knew what i was doing, it was literally hell on earth at that time. I went home from clinicals that day and cried, cried for 4 hours. I seriously was boo-hooing. I couldnt stop crying. My whole body ached. I had to call in "sick" to work becuz i couldnt stop crying (i worked as 411 operator, so i needed to have my voice under control). At that bleak moment...i understood why someone would want to hurt themselves. I felt that low!! PLEASE TRUST ME...IT GETS BETTER!!!!!!!!!!!!:) :) :) I LEARNED THIS ON MY OWN!! IT REALLY GETS BETTER. I am almost done, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! I have faith that you will be able to do it...take it 1 day at a time, have faith in yourself!! Practice, read everything you can, talk with nurses, continue talking to people from allnurses. You will do it!! :)

Granted, after graduation we will be new nurses and not know everything then either. At my hospital you are in orientation for like 6 weeks and u have a preceptor to "hold your hand". They want to help you succeed. The world needs you!!!

BarbPick · Jan 17, 2004

Jen

Good nurses make C's. All you have to do is pass.

TweetiePieRN · Jan 17, 2004

That reminds me...the slogan my nursing student friends and i always say is "C = RN"

We only need above a C average in the program to pass!!

PMHNP10 · Jan 17, 2004

Seems like you are your own worst enemy. You obviously are able to take in the info for tests, because you are passing. You are also aware of what you are doing wrong. But like the immortal GI Joe (cartoon character) says, "knowing is half the battle'. So the question is, are you doing anything to correct these issues? You are a student and are going to screw up on a regular basis. Live with that inevitable fact, but use each mistake as an opportunity to learn--to avoid making the same mistakes again. If you aren't sure about something, get a second opinion (primary nurse or instructor).

Now if you are routinely making the same mistakes a year or so down the road, then something more needs to be looked at. For now, use what you know; and as you go along, things should start to come together.

PJMommy · Jan 17, 2004

Please hang in there!! With the clinical stuff, we all get nervous -- none of us knows what we are doing. The real trick is to put on a brave face and do it. Trust yourself in clinical!

As far as book stuff...do you have an NCLEX review book? I recommend Saunders comprehensive review. Get one. When you are studying cardio in class, read those sections in the NCLEX review and answer those quizzes. I found Med/Surg classes set up exam questions exactly like NCLEX. If you get a review book, you can go over the tips on how to narrow it down to two correct answers and then determine which is the better answer. These books also get rid of all the flowery stuff and get down to the nitty gritty of what's important in the material you've covered. It's a game and will make no difference when you are a nurse because nursing isn't a perfect world like the exams and classes would have you think.

You can do this!!!

justjenn · Jan 17, 2004

Thanks for all your posts.

TweetiePieRN - I really respect you for continuing. That sounds like it really was bad. And good luck to you w/such a short time to go.

Today is a new day & it's the weekend. I am going to relax, clean my house & spend time w/my bird (got a sun conure for christmas). Than, later I am going to review my Fundementals, so I will be fresh for clinicals. Since where I am going on Tuesday is the place I plan (I want) to work at, I may try & ask my instructors to spend 15 mins. & go over some things w/me.

Are your instructors pulled in every direction? Ours are. They work very hard & took in more students this year & they are having to teach those extra classes to those students. Then, on top of that, the school is making them go to college & get their masters & will not even help pay for that. So, they have their work cut out for them.

It is true, I usually do good in things that I try. And I do have review books & went through them before my tests. It just isn't sinking in like I think it should be.

best always - justjenn

Carolanne · Jan 17, 2004

JustJenn,

Hang in there. Med-Surg is tough stuff, it's intense. There is a ton of information that they're stuffing down your throat and then you're expected to perform at clinicals too. It's a lot on your plate. I just got through Med-Surg myself last semester. I was in the same boat, doing all the work but not performing well on tests. I had a 72 average in exams at midterm and was put on clinical probation, giving the voluntary option of dropping at that point if I wished. As I sat across the desk looking at the instructor at that point, I didn't crumble, but I got mad at myself inside and said darn it, I'm going to turn this around and pass this *@)%)#* course, it's not going to get the best of me. I told her I was going to stay in the course and bring my grade up. She wished me luck and I walked out. Walking to my car, I was deciding how I was going to go about this. Then I had a brain storm - if the med surg text book wasn't sinking in, go about it another way. I then went to my local public library and went to the KIDS SECTION and got out every book I could find on the unit we were working on at the time. The books were in SIMPLE TERMS, CUTE PICTURES, EASY TO UNDERSTAND!!! That's for me, I said!!! I went home and DOVE into them. Things were starting to click. I was calming down. Then I took tons of practice NCLEX tests regarding the unit we were doing. OK, this is going to work. Next exam - grade was 94 instead of 72!!! I don't mean to rattle on here, but it boils down to there are different ways to get the information into your head. You will do it. I'm 44 and here I am visiting the kid's section in the library, but it worked!! So I passed the course with a B- and I was thrilled. Regarding clinicals, we all feel the same way. We're inexperienced and nervous and someone is always watching. We want to do well and put pressure on ourselves to perform. You will perfect your skills and be comfortable as time goes on. You'll do it, hang in there!!!

PMHNP10 · Jan 17, 2004

Originally posted by justjenn
Then, on top of that, the school is making them go to college & get their masters & will not even help pay for that.

Totally off subject, but I believe the above statement warrants a response...:angryfire :eek:

While I absolutely believe there is NO real nursing shortage right now, statements like the one above offer a stern warning that one is coming, and coming with a vengeance!!!

Hospital admin can recruit, retain, and cater to nurses' needs until they turn blue in the face, but if there is noone to educate those potential nurses, the supply will eventually run out. For the love of all that is good in this world...who would want to put out all that effort, time, and cost for earning a degree with no financial assistance from the institution which is pushing the educator to obtain that degree?

:angryfire :angryfire :angryfire

Catma63 · Jan 18, 2004

Originally posted by Carolanne
JustJenn,

Hang in there. Med-Surg is tough stuff, it's intense. There is a ton of information that they're stuffing down your throat and then you're expected to perform at clinicals too. It's a lot on your plate. I just got through Med-Surg myself last semester. I was in the same boat, doing all the work but not performing well on tests. I had a 72 average in exams at midterm and was put on clinical probation, giving the voluntary option of dropping at that point if I wished. As I sat across the desk looking at the instructor at that point, I didn't crumble, but I got mad at myself inside and said darn it, I'm going to turn this around and pass this *@)%)#* course, it's not going to get the best of me. I told her I was going to stay in the course and bring my grade up. She wished me luck and I walked out. Walking to my car, I was deciding how I was going to go about this. Then I had a brain storm - if the med surg text book wasn't sinking in, go about it another way. I then went to my local public library and went to the KIDS SECTION and got out every book I could find on the unit we were working on at the time. The books were in SIMPLE TERMS, CUTE PICTURES, EASY TO UNDERSTAND!!! That's for me, I said!!! I went home and DOVE into them. Things were starting to click. I was calming down. Then I took tons of practice NCLEX tests regarding the unit we were doing. OK, this is going to work. Next exam - grade was 94 instead of 72!!! I don't mean to rattle on here, but it boils down to there are different ways to get the information into your head. You will do it. I'm 44 and here I am visiting the kid's section in the library, but it worked!! So I passed the course with a B- and I was thrilled. Regarding clinicals, we all feel the same way. We're inexperienced and nervous and someone is always watching. We want to do well and put pressure on ourselves to perform. You will perfect your skills and be comfortable as time goes on. You'll do it, hang in there!!!

I read this and applauded!!! Carolanne, you are brilliant!! BRILLIANT!! What an awesome determined spirit and what an inspiring post!