Help! Nervous about certain skills in the Nursing program/ lack of self confidence

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Ok so I've always dreamed of being a Nurse, I am currently a CNA 1 and am "hopefully" going to start the Nursing program in the spring!! I lack a lot of self confidence in some of the book work because my mind seems to lose focus while studying and I tend to forget what I studied. For example, my first two "attempted" go arounds, A&P 1, I failed my first couple of test (after a lot of studying) and got totally discouraged and dropped.. Now life is flying by and I am considering giving it another shot, but this time I am going to try harder and find better study habits. I have got to do this not only for myself but for my two kids, I am trying to set an example for my babies by not giving up on your dreams no matter what obstacles you face... I really have a fear of letting myself down, don't get me wrong, I keep a positive attitude, it's just I gave up twice already and at times I feel doubtful. Ok so there's that... Sooooo I'm on Youtube and Google doing a little research on certain skills an RN does and how it is performed and all that good stuff annnndddd now I am feeling a little weak in the knees from watching the NG tube video as well as the picc line video. Nothing else really seems to bother me (that i've seen) it's just those "I'm sticking something in your body and hope I hit the right spot" type of skills that have me questioning "Can I do this?" I feel as though I am going to be a nervous wreck on a couple things.. Has anyone else ever felt like this or is it just me?

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

You will never be performing skills as a student for the first time on your own- you will have either your instructor or a staff RN depending on how your school structures clinicals. It's perfectly normal to be nervous the first time you place a foley or insert an NG tube. As a student, you won't be doing PICCs, and even in many facilities PICC insertion is only allowed by those with additional training and practice.

As for studying, perhaps the ways you have studied in the past aren't the best method for you. Have you taken a learning styles inventory? Doing so can help you find the right techniques to use. It is quality studying that matters, not quantity. I could read a book for hours on end over and over, and I won't learn anything from it. Park me in front of a lecturer, and my eyes will glaze over. Now, if you provide me with visual aids, then I'm good to go. Making my own visual aids worked too.

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Thanks for your response.. :)

In the past I have mainly used flash cards and just read the book but I have come to find that I am more of a visual learner.

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Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.

Moved to Pre-Nursing Student forum.

Wishing you the best as you begin your nursing journey!

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Thank you much :)

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Hihi OP! I know how you feel and lack confidence in some areas, but I make it my mission to prove myself wrong.

Currently I'm rocking a 4.0; every paper, quiz, test, presentation, you name it - has been an A. But I've also cried, skipped meals, had panic attacks, and felt like a failure.

I'm a very visual learner too so I'll draw lots of diagrams to help nail concepts, and even make oodles of flash cards and test myself on them. I find it a great help to learn the material as if I have to teach it (technically I do, since I'm also a tutor on campus, so I've really got to make sure I know my stuff).

If you're having trouble remembering things, try writing your own question banks, use quizlet and such (you can even stick the app on your phone), and make it stick with repetition. Learn to manage your time well, and reward yourself for hitting goals.

As for the confidence thing, it's slowly coming to me... but I'm going with the 'fake it til you make it' method haha; it's working! Tell yourself the third time's the charm~ You'll do it!

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Third times a charm, that is absolutely right :) Great way to put it

Thanks for you advice :)

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Hey there! It's perfectly fine to be nervous doing certain skills! You'll most likely practice them in labs and you will have an instructor with you (or nurse depending on how your school does clinicals, like the previous poster said) for procedures like injections, foleys, NG tubes. It's okay to be nervous but just know that you aren't alone. Everyone feels nervous but you'll have your instructor there to teach, guide and support you!

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Thanks for your response :)

It def makes me feel a lot better knowing that it is normal because at times I question myself but it's my dream.. ugh.. I don't know how to explain how bad I want this!!

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I just want to give a little advice as far as study habits. Some people may think this is good and some may not, so take it with a grain of salt.

IF your classes are set up like this (which most are) print out your powerpoints, take notes on them, and study that material. Use your book to read up on information that you don't quite understand or just need more information on. Mainly focus on the powerpoints and information the teacher pointed out in class. Start there.

That is what you will be tested on. Know that first.

Don't stop there, though. When you have time, do additional reading. Dig deeper in topics you feel you need to know more in. Never stop learning :)

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i will be sure to try that..

Thanks for your advice :)

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