I have just started my ACNP clinical rotation and I often feel as if I know nothing. Prior to starting the program, I worked in the SICU for 6 years and in a tele unit for 3 years before that. I was a resource on my unit as an RN and I felt confident in my abilities as an ICU nurse. In my ACNP clinical rotation, I feel like I don't know the answer to a lot of the questions they ask plus my nerves play a huge part in making my brain not work. Even in the SIM lab, I feel like I freeze up and am not able to think quickly on my feet. As an RN, I was always running the codes. I used to get tons of compliments on how well I ran codes. Very calm and collected. I have expressed my feelings to my best friend and husband who are both nurses. They both state that this is all normal and they know how smart I am and that I will be fine. I just don't always feel like I will be fine. I feel more like I am one of the "dumb" students.
Is this a normal feeling? I know that if I felt more confident, I would probably perform better in clinical. Any advice? Suggestions? words of support? These would all be appreciated.
You will be just fine. I had the same problem I felt like an idiot. After awhile you will be able to put it all together. It wasn't until my last few clinical rotations that I felt more confident with what I was doing. Just be patient and try your hardest and it will all work out. I also found that if you can pick your preceptors that helps a lot. I picked people I knew that I felt comfortable with to ask anything regardless of how dumb it was that I got more out of it.
Specializes in cardiac (CCU/Heart Transplant, cath lab).
A year after this thread was written, I am so glad I stumbled upon it. I am finishing up my last semester in my ACNP program and feel exactly as the OP! I have good days and bad days, good patient assessments and then things that I get mad for overlooking in my assessment/plan. I too felt like I've always been told that I am smart, an excellent, critically thinking RN, always told I needed to go back to school, enjoy reading CEs as a RN, etc. But man, in my final rotation through critical care, I feel so over my head at times. I frequently freeze up when asked questions by the MD or NP preceptor, aghhhH!!! I hate it. I feel like if I could have a few minutes to myself to think through a problem, I could do better. I also feel like I have a really bad memory and have to work really hard at reviewing things multiple times in order for it to sink in. I admire the knowledge base and experience of the MDs and NP/PAs that I work with in my rotation. My preceptor isn't the greatest as she frequently only tells me what I am missing or have gotten wrong in my notes. She hardly ever says "this is good". Fortunately, sometimes I have spent shifts with one of the PAs and she is an excellent teacher, using constructive criticism while also providing positive feedback.
I am glad that my lack of confidence has been a source of comfort for those who are feeling the same way I was at one time. I just wanted to let you know that I am now functioning in an NP role and am feeling much better than I did when I wrote my original post. It gets better! You will do fine if you just take it a day at a time. Good luck!
lowrylb
22 Posts
You will be just fine. I had the same problem I felt like an idiot. After awhile you will be able to put it all together. It wasn't until my last few clinical rotations that I felt more confident with what I was doing. Just be patient and try your hardest and it will all work out. I also found that if you can pick your preceptors that helps a lot. I picked people I knew that I felt comfortable with to ask anything regardless of how dumb it was that I got more out of it.