How to get over cold feet about nursing school

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I will be starting nursing school this fall. Even though I gave a trouble past of drug abuse and pregnancy, I managed to ace all prerequisites for nursing school which resulted in a 4.0 GPA. The thing is, being a single parent and stress has me doubting myself about the upcoming situation. I always go to that dark place in my mind about being a dumb junkie who would never amount to anything. How should I gain more confidence? How should I block these negative thoughts?

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Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care.

Do what David did when Saul asked him about fighting Goliath, remember every positive victory in your life.

* You are a caring mother who wants to do well for yourself, your child/children, and your family.

* You have overcome addiction.

* You are starting off the program with a 4 GPA

* You are beautiful.

* You are capable.

Now change all of the "you are's" above to "I am" and repeat the phrases every day. Remember why you want to be a nurse.

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A "dumb junkie" wouldn't have gotten a 4.0 in prereqs. I didn't even close to that and I'm not a junkie and just completed my first semester of nursing school. If I can, so can you. You have come a long way already, just keep going!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

I really don't want to spoil the ending for you. . . . but I'm sure your story is going to turn out just fine.

It takes remarkable fortitude to turn your life around in the way you have. You obviously have the ability to succeed. If you need additional emotional support, look for some qualified resources to provide it. Most schools have counseling resources you can use.

Congratulations on your journey thus far. Keep us posted on your progress.

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So, pregnancy isn't "trouble." It might not have been the best time for you, but it doesn't make you a bad person for getting pregnant, so don't put that in the same line as drug abuse. I mean, past drug abuse doesn't make you a bad person either, so just put all of that out of your mind. If you study and put in the time, you'll be fine in nursing school. Just remember that you don't need to get a 4.0 in nursing school. It won't mean you're failing or regressing if you don't get all As. It's just more school...a long job training...you'll be ok.

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Doubting yourself is completely normal and it does not matter on the past you have. Doubt will at some point or another creep into our lives and tell us we can't do something and make us afraid of the future when we should be looking forward to it. I start nursing school in the Fall as well and I've been nothing but a ball of doubt. What if I fail? What if I flunk out? What if this isn't for me? What if I'm too dumb? Trust me, it happens to the best of us. You are obviously a very strong individual. You have overcome addiction. That in itself is an amazing accomplishment and look where you are now! About to start a journey that will surely change your life and others for the better. Doubt is normal, but don't let that doubt deter you from your dreams and don't let that doubt send you back to the dark place you fought so hard to get out of.

I've spent months, MONTHS on this website looking for tips, tricks, etc. to be successful in nursing school. Look on Amazon and search for study guides that go along with your books or other resources that will help lessen the doubt. I kid you not, I've purchased 4 books in addition to my regular textbooks because the Amazon reviews were so good and I am starting to think I may actually be able to do this. You can do this too! Good luck :)

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