Is nursing right for me?

[determined09]

I am a freshmen nursing student. I have a really high GPA and studying is not a problem for me. The only aspect of nursing that I am worried about is having to speak in front of many people during clinical. I am not the most outgoing person but I do feel comfortable on a one-to-one basis with a patient. Any advice would be appreciated?! Thanks!

[Intern67]

If there is one thing I learned in nursing school, it is that it teaches you to do things that absolutely terrify you. There are many, many, many tasks in nursing that can make you uncomfortable. Quite a few of them are required to be a nurse.

The good news is that nursing school gives you many chances to practice these things. The first time you do them, you might be an absolute wreck, but you will pick yourself up and try again. And again - and again if you have to.

Eventually, you become competent at the things you once feared. You may never like them, you may always hate them, but you will find you can do them.

I remember the first day of my nursing program, we had to get to know the person next to us, then stand up and describe them to the class. The people who had trouble with public speaking crapped their pants during this exercise. One girl literally could not get sound to come out of her - she mouthed the words, but her voice would not work. Still, she tried her best.

Eventually, she got better and is now able to give SBAR and other reports to small and medium sized groups.

[determined09]

Well thanks for the reply! That makes so much sense. I'm sure no matter what your major is in college you will have to do something you fear. I am absolutely determined to be a successful nurse and I will have to remind myself of that when uncomfortable situations arise.

[MattiesMama]

You said that you do feel comfortable one-on-one with patients: that is the most important thing by far. It sounds like you are passionate and your heart is in it-so don't let a little shyness hold you back!

That being said, if you are really uncomfortable with speaking in public that's something you should work on-as a nurse, you will be a patient advocate. Part of being an advocate is giving your patient a voice and making sure it's heard.

[CoffeemateCNA]

Are you already in the nursing program right now, or are you working in pre-requisites? You may find it well worth your time to enroll in a public speaking or introductory theatre course. Learning to be comfortable speaking in front of others is a valuable skill you will always be able to use!