How do I control my nerves / Help

SCRN1 · Jan 22, 2007

Have you tried any relaxation techniques?

In addition to that, remind yourself of the things you're great at and all you know & worked hard at learning and that you can do anything you set your mind to. Tell yourself that this is going to be a chance to show it too.

Good luck! Remember, these 3 days will all be behind you soon.

GardenDove · Jan 22, 2007

Talk to your doctor perhaps? You might try xanax.

all4schwa · Jan 22, 2007

Deep, diaphragmatic breathing helps me. Especially on the way to clinicals, I used to get real anxious. Now that I'm a new nurse, I still get that feeling on my way to work and a few deep, cleansing breaths really help. Also, stopping throughout the day for a few breaths helps as well.

Music and routine help me. I like to get up early enough to get ready and all put together, and I like to really blast my favorite songs on the way. It just helps to set my head right.

GingerSue · Jan 22, 2007

remind yourself that you have worked hard to get this far

and this represents your learning and preparation

be organized

relax

you'll get through these three days

all the best

Mr_Nurse · Jan 22, 2007

I'm a senior in my last semester beginning my leadership/residency this coming week. I have been at in many moments like the one your talking about many times in nursing school, usually around exams,clinicals, and finals. Take the fear (anxiety) you are feeling and use that energy to get past these next few days. Think of them and take them one at a time. What your feeling can help you perform at the top of your game by using it to prepare. Listen to the first reply on this post, self-relaxation techniques and stuff. I advice against xanax b/c you may not respond to it the way you would want and you could lose an opportunity here to shine. Above all, I've learned nothing can take the place of telling yourself that you can do it, despite feeling differently in parts of your mind. Many have made it before you and take courage from that. REPEAT AFTER ME......I CAN DO THIS!!!!

matchstickxx · Jan 22, 2007

In addition to what everyone else has said...get plenty of sleep the nights before your clinical days. Lack of sleep can really feed into anxiety.

RN BSN 2009 · Jan 22, 2007

deep breathing... warm baths.. candles.. naps...!

csmithword · Feb 17, 2008

I will tell you that I have this one clinical teacher that scares me so. Everytime I am around her I shake uncontrollable. She is so scary, she has been a nurse for about 200 yrs, so she knows all. When you are doing a skill such as flushing an IV, instilling eye drops on a pt, she whispers in your ear. (things like hurry up, get closer, do this, do that) And I get so nervous. I am trying to come up with ideas to help me not shake. I came up with one... I am just going to try to tune her out, concentrate on the skill and chew gum. (not like a cow or anything) But I think the gum will help to relax me and concentrate on the skill at hand. I have even had complaints from patients about her after she leaves. That is when you know it is bad.

Hope this helps some.. :specs:

Batman24 · Feb 18, 2008

Whenever something makes me anxious I remember that it will be over in a hour, a week, a day, etc. Knowing there is an end in sight makes me feel better. I also try and think of something fun I will be doing when the day is over...hot shower, dinner with friends, fave tv show, etc. It helps me remember that life will go on outside of the dreaded meeting, clinical, exam, etc.