Low self-esteem ....HELP!

sissiesmama, ASN, RN · Oct 5, 2014

I'm a nursing student and well,..... I get unacceptably nervous when I'm on the spotlight of my teachers, my mind goes blank (even if I know the material) and it just doesn't look good. I sat alone and had to meditate about it. It believe, it is deeply related to my low self-esteem. I've been to therapy for years and worked on it, but I still need lots of work, LOTS. Have I made a huge mistake going into Nursing? I'm a 2nd year student now but this might be my undoing. I admire Nurses cause they seem so confident, strong and composed. The opposite of me, but my self-esteem is not going to change over night. I love the feeling of making an ill person's day a little better. A Nurse should be confident, composed, knows their stuff and can deliver the calm in the storm, that goal feels like claiming the Everest to me. Please kindly advise.

Sweetie, one thing I learned pretty early in nsg school - some of those people who seem so confident and sure of themselves have some level of anxiety too - I was SO freaked out even getting up before my class reading a paper or performing in the skills lab for a check off that my palms got so sweaty and clammy I thought I would either puke or pass out - and I was hoping for the latter!!

A girl that sat next to me in LPN school had anxiety levels like u describe. She had severe test anxiety. She saw her MD and he ordered her anti anxiety meds to take pre-test. I know it helped her but obviously she couldn't do that at clinical or if she was driving.

I know of a few in my RN program took Inderal for the same reason. (Not advocating getting starting taking meds, but maybe talk to your MD - maybe he could offer some assistance.

Long story short, "fake it till u make it" helped me through some of those early days for me.

Hugs! Good luck - let us know, hoping it may get a little easier on u.

Kuriin, BSN, RN · Oct 5, 2014

Original poster already withdrew from nursing school. While the thread may be pertinent to some who are experiencing low self esteem, I don't see any point in giving the OP advice. =P

dmena14 · Oct 5, 2014

I know, I kept getting flack from my teachers, it was pretty bad I had to stop and get therapy before I continue cause I had to get that under control. It was very painful but the truth is the truth, wish you luck and I hope I find my calling too with something I can handle.

dmena14 · Oct 5, 2014

I withdrew already, I'm sorry you know it was just so bad I felt like cold water from the freezer would start running through my veins and I could hear my heartbeat. Not a pleasant feeling for me, and the patients could see it. Thanks for the advice at least I don't feel like an aberration of nature. May your higher power bless you.

sissiesmama, ASN, RN · Oct 6, 2014

I withdrew already, I'm sorry you know it was just so bad I felt like cold water from the freezer would start running through my veins and I could hear my heartbeat. Not a pleasant feeling for me, and the patients could see it. Thanks for the advice at least I don't feel like an aberration of nature. May your higher power bless you.

Oh I'm so sorry to hear this! Maybe if u can feel more positive about things u can re-enter?

dmena14 · Oct 6, 2014

I'm going to see a Psychotherapist and Psychiatrist if I can control it then I'll re-enter, is some kind of PTSD syndrome weird.... but I'm still OK, I'll leave it in the hands of my God.