How do you build confidence as a nurse?

[Kashia, ASN, LVN]

What are some of the ways you are or have in past built up your confidence as a nurse?

Addressing experienced nurses returning after absence or new nurses.

[kayleeray]

Time.

(I would imagine it mainly takes that - I'm not a nurse yet, so I don't know )

[goodstudentnowRN]

I am a new registered nurse and the ways I would build confidence as a nurse are as follows:

Ask questions when I am not sure of something.

Walk with my skills book

Volunteer to do skills and help as much as possible in the clinical setting.

Listen

Keep thinking positively by telling myself that I can do it.

Be an hands-on person

Be eager to learn

[stelarRN]

i agree with the above. i've been an RN for 9 months, and it definitely takes time and experience. be as hands on as you can.

[JulieCVICURN, BSN, RN]

The first six months absolutely suck. Then, slowly, it starts to get better. You'll know you're there the first time a doctor tries to make you feel stupid and you throw it right back at him.

[tlburnsrnbsn]

Hi,

I have been a nurse for 13 yrs and have never stopped learning. When starting out it is important not to come across as knowing everything. I have seen some new nurses make this mistake. Boy, do they fall hard! Listen instead of talk, find a good mentor, someone who is willing to take the time to teach you. There are nurses out there that love to mentor. I do! Take advantage of participating in or observing as many things as you can. The more knowledge you have, the more confident you will be. If you make a mistake, learn from it. We all made mistakes at one time. Good luck!