Low self esteem throughout program?

Published

Hello everyone, I am a first year nursing student who failed a class last year and had to retake the course. I waited a year to retake the course in the program but I have been having pretty low self esteem. I failed pharmacology last year due to a dosage miscalculation and this year as I go back into pharmacology, I hear a senior students to say that dosage calculations in pharm are "stupidly ridiculously easy" THis comment makes me feel so ashamed and stupid. Nobody else understands and I'm just trying my best to stay optimistic.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency.

Eh. You know. People have troubles with different subjects. It just sounds like you may have some problems comprehending the math problems, that's all. Don't sell yourself short; that's one of the things you will learn in your psychiatric rotation.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Your self esteem will increase as your successes and accomplishments do. People expect to feel good and be respected automatically, but these things actually have to be earned.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice.

Ugh.... math. My self esteem is in the toilet when it comes to math because I have been "bad" at it all my life. Yet I passed my med dosage course and my medical math course with an A and I passed my first medical dosage calculations exam this semester with a 90, so I know I can do it. It's all about how we tell ourselves we suck at math so we set ourselves up to feel the anxiety. Hang in there and give yourself more credit. It's a work in progress for me too.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Addictions, Adult Psych.

don't let your classmates let you feel down about your abilities. i'm sure there will be topics that are easy for you and tough for others! try to get yourself a math tutor because the math in nursing is never going away! you will get it, just keep trying. i knew a lot of people in school who had trouble with the math tests and they all managed to make it through, graduate and pass their NCLEX! sending positive vibes your way... you will be okay!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hem/Onc/BMT.

Like others have already said, please don't let such comment get you down. If anything, use it as motivation to improve your math. Everyone has different aptitude. As far as math, sure it comes more easily for some than others, but it is not some magical ability that you must be born with. It's all about practice and practice.

When I was studying for NCLEX, I would get exasperated at my pathetic score in psychosocial area. On the other hand, a friend of mine who excelled at psychosocial questions envied my pathophys score. We all studied hard, and passed.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion