I am excited and terrified at the same time.

flygirl117 · Mar 31, 2010

Are you a perfectionist? Some of us are like that in my program too. We want to do so well that we're scared to try because what if we fail... But, everyone has one thing in common: none of us have been in nursing school before. The subject matter is all new. The method of testing is new. The act of demonstrating skills is new. It's sometimes a bit terrifying. Just keep reminding yourself, if you already knew how to do it, you wouldn't be in school learning it! I get frustrated when I don't get something on the first try, and my clinical instructor will then remind me that I've never done it before! Yet, sometimes I still expect myself to get it right away.

It is totally normal to be terrified at this point. I think many of us questioned our readiness to begin the program, but as the semester has progressed we keep jumping over hurdle after hurdle.

If it was easy, everyone would do it. Be proud of yourself for your committment to your education and your achievements!

guiltysins · Mar 31, 2010

I'm starting in the Fall and I'm in the same position. I'm so excited and so ready to go but it's scary. I feel like I'm going to forget stuff because it's so much information. Don't even get me started on the clinical portion LOL. I'm terrified I'm going to hurt someone or puncture something and lord knows what. I've always been good at reading and understanding things but I'm not sure how good I will be hands-on. Even doing things on the dummy makes me nervous, I don't want to see dumb in front of people. Sigh.

Darknights · Apr 1, 2010

I frequently hear from new nurses that they've forgotten everything they've learned. They are usually totally overwhelmed.

My hospital doesn't have nursing assistants so the RN's assist patients with ADL's. I tell the new nurses that everyone knows how to shower them-self so hop in and start showering the pts. Being responsible for total patient care gives them the chance to learn time management and become confident with the basics. You won't be expected to know everything or to be able to do everything. As you master the basics you will find it easier to consolidate your knowledge, what you learnt at school, as you start to apply it to real patients. Then you will discover that you remember more than you thought.

We worry when our new nurses don't ask questions or ask for help. We expect them too.

After a year of being on the wards you will laugh about how scared you were when you started. And you'll be taking new nurses under your wing and showing them the ropes.

Don't worry. You're going through what every nurse has been through.

Darknights · Apr 1, 2010

I should add that I received the academic award for top student from my university. I still felt like I knew nothing when I graduated.

There was a saying often repeated by students. 'P's make degrees.' ie. just getting a pass in subjects will get you through. I wish I'd had that attitude and had a little more fun while at university. Whether you have high distinctions or have just passed, you are all on a level playing field once you get out there and start working. I have a group of new grads on my ward right now and it is impossible to tell who got the highest grades and who just scraped through. They all struggled at the start but they are improving every shift. And they will continue to improve. Nursing is like any skill, it is mastered through experience.

I wish you all the best.

aerorunner80, ADN, BSN, MSN, APRN · Apr 1, 2010

"Maybe I just need to take a deep breathe and just go with the flow. "

I think you said yourself what is best.

Isn't it funny how we tend to talk ourselves into circles like that? :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2:

What you are feeling is perfectly normal because you are getting ready to change your whole life.

Just go in with an open mind and have as much fun with it as possible.

If I could say anything to all people just entering nursing school it is:

Study hard but.....PLAY EVEN HARDER!!!!!!