I feel like im an incompetent final year nursing student

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Im in my final year of nursing school and been placed in the emergency ward. Every time I start my shift I just feel like im not functioning in a level of a final year student. I really have a hard time in doing my assessments (eg. head to toe, comprehensive assessment). For instance, when a patient presents in the emergency, eg. category 2 with shortness of breath, I feel lost in what type of questions to ask and how to put the puzzle in together.

I really like nursing, but because I lack in my strategies in how 'to paint and explore the patient's condition', im loosing my confidence and my drive to continue nursing.

does anybody have this same feeling or am I just not competent and dumb?

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

well I do not know you well enough to assess whether you are incompetent or dumb, but I will say that MANY seniors feel like they just do not know enough to practice. There is a lot to nursing and you will learn as you grow. Be sure to do the safe thing always.

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You're a senior in nursing school? I've got news: you're not competent yet. And I'm not saying that to be mean, just to be honest.

Most people don't reach full competency as nurses until they're about a year into their first job! Go easy on yourself. You're a student and still learning; I certainly wouldn't expect you to feel comfortable in doing a head-to-toe assessment. You're just starting to cut your teeth on the critical thinking piece of nursing, and that can take time to master. As you look toward graduation and getting that first job, the learning curve is going to ramp up even more. If you keep an attitude of "I'm not good enough", that prophecy will be self-fulfilling. Go into it every day with the willingness to learn and ask questions until your preceptors are blue in the face. You can and will get it down if you keep at it!

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

I agree, you're being too hard on yourself. You shouldn't feel like you know it all yet! This is your time to ask questions and continue learning! As SoldierNurse22 said, most people don't feel competent until AT LEAST 1 year into being an employed nurse. You'll get there! :)

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Specializes in Neuro Intensive Care.

I am also a senior student, and I also feel like Im not ready!! But that's ok, cause Im not a nurse yet!!! My instructors tell us that we will learn more in the first 6 months out of school that we will ever learn in school. I take comfort in the fact that I will not be thrown out there to sink or swim...I will have a preceptor and will have to go through orientation before I am allowed to carry patients on my own. School is the place to build a strong foundation so when its time, I can grow into a great nurse!!

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to all the people that commented on my post, thank you soo much. I feel so much better with all your encouraging comments. Maybe I am being too hard to myself... but i will ensure that I make most of my clinical placements.

i did pass my emergency placement btw :) and also had a great day (practiced my questioning skills to patients) :)

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