I feel like I don't know anything...

[kathy6023]

I'm a junior nursing student at a BSN program. I'm a pretty good student but I struggle a lot in clinicals and during simulations. I can do well on tests inside the classroom but I have a lot of trouble retaining that information when we apply it during sim labs and in the hospital. For example, I have trouble remembering info about specific hospital equipment such as NG tubes etc and specific medical conditions.

I've only been in the hospital for one semester (once a week-around 6 shifts) but still feel like I haven't learned anything at all. All I've learned so far is how to take vitals and give patient baths, and general assessments. Very basic things.

Is it normal to feel this way?

[J.Adderton, BSN, MSN]

I taught nursing school for 3 years and you are not unique and just where you should be. I have been a nurse for over 20 years and would have to "study up" on NGT insertion. I did not feel like I could apply what I learned until a started my first job- and took time after that. Take a deep breath and pat yourself on the back.