Horrible Clinical Experiences, Questioning if I Should Quit

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The title pretty much sums it all up. I had a horrible clinical experience during 2nd year in nursing, the nurse was not supportive and kept picking on me. When I didn't pass my lecture class, I had to drop out and wait for the next semester to redo 2nd year. I was really happy and looking forward to start fresh. It started out great and all that I could have wanted. Two weeks into clinical, my instructor told me I was not passionate and apathetic towards nursing and I should reconsider my choices. I had a total breakdown from that, I kept questioning myself if I should really stay. I have considered transferring to a different program, computer science. But I don't know if I should stay or leave when I'm already have way there. Also the anxiety from those two clinical experiences have really scarred me from returning back into clinical practice. I'm trying really hard to stay and finish this semester than change my program, but I don't think I am mentally able to put myself up to it anymore. It's like my worse nightmare. I don't know what to do anymore.

I've talked to my lecture instructor and the clinical course coordinator and a counselor about this matter, they all support me for whichever path I choose but I don't know what I want anymore. I love nursing, but I feel that I can't stay.

Should I leave and do a different program or stay???

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

None of us can tell you what to do. You need to do a pro/con list to see where your heart lies. Not everyone needs to be a nurse. You can also look at allied health. Speech pathology is masters level entry. Then there is OT & PT, radiology tech, respiratory therapy, perfusionist and many other non-nursing healthcare options available. Stress and anxiety in your 2nd year is not a good thing, but you are being proactive by speaking with your nursing instructors and a counselor. There is no shame in determining nursing is not the best path for you. Just like there is no shame in repeating a class, though it's difficult and delays graduation some people need to take a step back to successfully move forward.

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If you're going to allow a clinical instructor - or ANYONE to deter you from what YOU want to do, then MAYBE this profession is not for you. This is a tough profession where you will be challenged by nurses, doctors, patients and their families, and management.

Thicken your skin and don't let empty words get to you.

What matters is that you are performing up to par. That you're meeting the objectives. It doesn't matter whether you are passionate about nursing or in it for the money. It doesn't matter if nursing is a strategic move or a calling. What matters is that you are competent.

Extra bit of advice incase this professor wants to fail certain students because they just feel like it:

Keep record of everything this clinical instructor says to you. Write down the date/time/place. Be objective in your documentation.

Go to your student handbook and familiarize yourself with the objectives for your clinical. Make sure you document as you meet these objectives. Be proactive and get the nurses to initial the things/skills you've done.

I'm just saying this because I've seen these things go south. I'm not sure why some CIs go after certain students based off silly subjective matters.

ON THE FLIP SIDE....

Make sure that his/her interpretation of lacking passion is not in reality you not meeting the objectives.

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Specializes in NICU.
If you're going to allow a clinical instructor - or ANYONE to deter you from what YOU want to do, then MAYBE this profession is not for you. This is a tough profession where you will be challenged by nurses, doctors, patients and their families, and management.

Thicken your skin and don't let empty words get to you.

EXACTLY. You will have to deal with all kinds of nurses, CNAs, doctors, patients, patients' family. Time to get thick skin or find another field, but even then you will run into the same type of people.

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Specializes in ICU/ Surgery/ Nursing Education.

ON THE FLIP SIDE....

Make sure that his/her interpretation of lacking passion is not in reality you not meeting the objectives.

I really think you should look closely at your performance in school and clinicals. I may not understand fully, but the first time it was a nurse that was picking on you. The second time was a clinical instructor that didn't see your passion. Two people at separate times have a similar opinion about your performance. Time to look deep inside yourself and ask the hard questions.

This may not a bad thing though. At least you are being told this before it is deemed too late for recovery. If this is something you was to do and are passionate about then show them. Better yourself and become the best nurse you can be.

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Not to be insensitive, but if people criticizing you is your worst nightmare, you're going to have problems in a lot of different vocations. My suggestion is to note the criticism, use it if possible, and if not discard it and move forward. Ask yourself if there's any truth to the criticism or if you're just dealing with a jerk.

If you really enjoy the material and the work, don't let other people hold you back.

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