I have no confidence

[mbtsab]

I am still doing my pre-reqs(just finishing up A&PII and then micro left). I am finding myself not having any confidence in becoming a nurse. I make good grades in my classes, but I don't know if I am absorbing the information. I am unable to explain things on what I have learned to someone else. I do great on paper, but I know that's not enough.

so my question is, will this change once I get into the program, because I will be doing more hands on? has anyone felt this way and then gotten into the program and felt better equipped?

[mindofmidwifery, ADN]

I have done my pre reqs as well and did not absorb too much from learning in the classroom! But I am also a hospital tech and I learn and retain so much more while on the floor. I'm assuming you'll get better once you start nursing school

[PNW0212]

You'll get better once you start school. I remember hardly anything from A&P or micro. Almost done with my first year of nursing school. Just get good grades, apply to school, then once you get accepted, throw away anything you've ever learned about test-taking. Nursing school has "different" tests, they train you to think a specific way. Good luck:-) and have some confidence!

[mbtsab]

Thanks everyone:)

[UCFAshley]

I'm not in nursing school, but I feel the same way. I am a very "use it or lose.it" type of person. Unless I will put what I learn into practice, I don't remember a thing lol

[ChristiEnglert]

I am almost done with my third semester of nursing school. Only one more semester left and I can tell you with confidence that your self-confidence will be like a roller coaster. There have been more times that I've felt incompetent than I've felt confident. THIS IS NORMAL!!! You won't feel confident as a nurse until you have at LEAST a year of practice under your belt. But take heart!! That doesn't mean you weren't meant to be part of this amazing profession! You will build strong friendships with your clinical peers and when you are on that ledge, they will be your lifeline. You can do this!!

[BeachsideRN, ASN]

I agree with PP. I am going into my 3rd clinical semester and some days I feel on top of the world and totally capable on the floor. Then others I feel like I don't know jack. And honestly just because you can't explain something doesn't mean anything. There's a lot of thing ms that I just know. I don't know why or how but it just is. You can't be an expert in everything.

[khmrn]

Don't doubt yourself #1! I just graduated from grad school, after 10 yrs post ADN, with 10 yrs of experience. The fact is, most of us learn my seeing or doing. Do not talk to yourself in negative terms. Remain positive and you will succeed!