Is dwindling confidence to be expected?

[gottahaveheart]

I am in my second of three semesters to get my LPN, and as much as I feel I have learned, I feel like a million more questions have been raised! I am not feeling confident at all. I'm struggling through my OB unit for the first half of this semester, and in a few weeks we switch to Med Surg...We have to get an 80% in core theory classes to pass and I feel like I'm drowning!!

On top of that, I am not feeling confident with my skills...I always do well in my skill lab check offs, but yesterday it occurred to me...What if I'm in practice, and I have to give a TB test shot? I've only practiced on hot dogs!!! Or what if someone needs a Depo shot, and I only learned ventrogluteal and it's recommended for dorsogluteal...No one taught me how to do that area! Or what if I'm working and I'm too busy to do the three med checks on every med like we're taught (I've worked as an aide for a while, fat chance of having the time for that! My nurses were busy) and I kill somebody? You know, all these crazed, sleep-deprived nursing student thoughts...I have 158 days until I finish school (you know it's serious if I have a countdown!), literally halfway through, and I just would love to hear from some veteran nurses and get some of my confidence back! I know I'll be a nervous mess when I start working, and that the last bit of school is going to be tough, but it would really help me to hear some success stories. I know I can do it, but it always helps to remember you aren't the only one who felt this way!

[Alex Egan, LPN, EMT-B]

Nursing in the states is a general practice field. We are expected to be generalists first specialists second. As a generalist you will know a good bit about everything, but not everything about everything. No one expects you to especially as a new grad. You will notice that most nursing units have a shelf with the policy, emergency, drug , and other reference books. They aren't just to look good, If you have to freshen up on a skill take a second and do it. Also you shouldn't be on your own at first, so you will have access to your coworkers who can guide you. Later as you gain expearence you will find yourself specializing. You may become that person who can always get the stick on the hard pt. Or the one who can talk the psych of down from opening that entire case of whoop a$$ on the rest of the staff. You may also move onto a speciality area where you will again be new and have to familiarize yourself with obscure skills.

[Compassion_x]

I've never known a nursing student who feels totally confident in their skills. It's not uncommon, it's not just you!

[VNJones]

I'm a current student and this weekend I had a bad moment and now I sit in tears doubting myself. I know I just need practice and this all about learning, I am only 4 months in to a 20 month program..rationally I know I can do it but it's just so much material and I'm scared if it's not all getting through...

[Okie36]

When you go to do a new skill on a live patient, your instructor usually goes with you for the first one...know your steps...as long as u know basic steps for a skill, then the instructor can help with specifics....lastly, breathe! U will do fine! I finish my last class of my program Friday! NCLEX here I come! Best of luck to you on your journey!

[cinlou, BSN, MSN, RN]

Fear is a good thing as long as it is not debilitating. It makes you stop and think. If you are unsure of how to do something look it up. There is no way to learn everything you need to know in school there is not enough time. But, what you need to learn is how and where to find appropriate resources and look it up. When you find a job, find a good supportive mentor. Join an organization that is specific to LPN's such as NFLPN where you can chat and network continue to use this site for support. You will always be a student because healthcare is lifelong learning, things are always changing new data is always coming out and you will want to stay up to date with evidence based practice, and you may decide to move on for your RN and advanced degrees. Build a strong and broad foundation in Med/surg and you will be able to use this information in whatever area you decide to specialize in. Certification in geriatrics, wound care, IV therapy are all available to LPN's. I encourage you to become certified in an area that you enjoy. Yes, we have all been there. You will move back and forth from novice to expert many times throughout your career as you change jobs or areas of practice. I have been a nurse for 36 years and last august I became a novice again, I went from the clinical setting to academics. If you have to ask a question look it up you will retain it better if you do the work of finding the answer. The more you learn, the more you realize that the less you know. Each semester you will go through this feeling of uncertainty, it is normal. Breath.... think, use critical thinking and reasoning, look it up, ask questions, look for opportunities, be assertive, don't loose that little bit of fear, don't become over confident, be supportive of your peers, network, you are where you should be and feeling what you should be feeling. You are normal.