I am a nursing student graduating this semester with my BSN (BSN = all theory-focused, little (IMHO) clinical experience/hours). I am doing my capstone (final clinical) at a large urban hospital TCU (General & Specialty Surgery unit, msotly post-op).
I am so so so so so so so scared. Anxiety-ridden. Fearful. Terrified. Nervous. Horrified.
Insomnia x last 2 weeks, emesis x 637, diarrhea x I lost count.
I am so afraid that I will meet my preceptor tomorrow and she will be this carniverous, mean, bland battle axe that will quiz me until I pass out and think I'm the dumbest student that ever lived; then recommend that my instructor to fail me. At this point, she could ask me the mechanism of action for metoprolol and I would just stare at her. Obviously, I passed my courses and did well, but I just don't feel up to par with my classmates. I feel like I have learned more as a unit secretary in the ICU I work at than I have in nursing school.
I swear I don't know anything. I know I'm not stupid, but I am so nervous about this. To make things worse, I can be sensitive, so I am worried about being sensitive about my insecurity and will just break down and cry tomorrow. Also, it does not help me when people say "mask your insecurity...act confident". Easier said than done. Trust me...if I could, I would. I have never been able to mask my feelings. I waear my heart on my sleeve. I cannot help it. I realize I need to work on this.
Any advice? Please, I beg of you, help!!! My heaad won't stop spinning....
Specializes in med/surg/tele/neuro/rehab/corrections.
lostinreality you sound like you have a terrific preceptor! :) I'm so happy for you! She really is a pro. I too experienced a great deal of anxiety. I even asked for more time orienting (first job for me) But after 3 months orienting I felt fine. (I laugh about it now telling everyone it took me 3 months) Everyone around me was very supportive and I quickly came to realize that I was never alone. I would always have a support person because everyone is like extended family ready to help out. For me, things go in one ear and out the other but even I learned the job! :)
Today was a new nurses first or second day on her own. She was so nervous. Everyone helped when they could. One nurse did a blood sugar for her. While she was indisposed the doc came in so I went in the pt's room with him and removed the bandages from the pt. Then did wound care and re bandaged the pt. It felt wonderful to help someone else out the way I was helped at times. (passing it on)
When you get your first job it will be like this too. You sound like you have a great opportunity with this preceptor because she really likes to teach. Good luck and keep us posted :redpinkhe
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inland18mempire
193 Posts
You'll learn everything on the job. Best of luck.... Don't forget to apply to grad school soon! :)