Most terrifying thing?

missmollie, ADN, BSN, RN · May 23, 2014

There really isn't anything terrifying about nursing school. I think we've talked up how difficult nursing school is so much that people are nervous about starting. Yes, you will have to study more than you are used to, but nursing school is difficult, awesome, and amazing. You will see a huge difference in the way you think over the course of a year. At the end of the year, you'll be closer to your goal, and you will start thinking like a nurse, you'll start to question and analyze things, and you'll find that you are quite capable of this.

Don't be worried. Nursing school will be what you make it out to be, so go in there with a confident attitude and be prepared to watch yourself change.

Terrifying? Nah.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · May 23, 2014

concentrate on learning. Forget about the instructors and other students. THis is not high school and you may never see those people again. You are there for YOU

Everline · May 23, 2014

I have, in fact, felt terrified during nursing school. It doesn't happen every day or anything like that. But when it has happened, it was usually during clinical if I had a very intimidating clinical instructor. This was especially so when I was put on the spot to do a skill I had never done before and was expected to do it quickly and perfectly. Having said that, I wouldn't go into school expecting to be terrified. Nursing school is certainly time consuming due to the amount of information you need to absorb. But most days aren't what I would call scary. Most of the time what I feel is—exhausted. Sometimes I do get a bit depressed. Other times, I feel awesome and love what I'm learning. It's a mix of emotions and experiences. Look for and expect an optimal experience. That's the best way to start off, I think.

LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN · May 23, 2014

Skills check offs. Whether they are in clinical or sim lab. Still terrifying.

Everline · May 23, 2014

Skills check offs. Whether they are in clinical or sim lab. Still terrifying.

Oh yeah, I forgot about those. Yikes...

RunBabyRN · May 23, 2014

I think nursing school is more overwhelming than terrifying. That said, every now and then, you know that what you're doing with a patient could, if you screw it up, kill them, and THAT can be terrifying. But if you're smart, you turn that anxiety into checking and rechecking what you're doing to ensure that you are being SAFE, and the patient benefits (as do you). :)

There will be times of anxiety, of course. The first time you have to stick someone with a needle. The first time you have to insert a Foley. The first time you have to apply restraints. The first time you have to question an order. The first time you have to confront a doctor or give report or speak up for yourself. Then there's all the normal school stuff- did I read enough? Did I study enough for this exam? Do I know enough? Does everyone know more than me? When will they figure out I'm an impostor? All totally normal. Relax, enjoy the ride, and know that everyone else is in the same car with you. :)

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · May 23, 2014

Thanks for all your input! I tend to be some who overworries and have anxiety with things that don't entail anxiety. It's gotten a lot better, but with something as big as nursing school, I can't help it.

@lorirn2b: Are skill check offs just a check off list filled out by your instructor? Sounds intense.

missmollie, ADN, BSN, RN · May 23, 2014

Skill checkoffs are where you perform a skill in front of an instructor. You have to hit every critical step, or else you won't pass the skill. At my school, we are given remediation if we do not pass the first time, then we have to do it again. If you fail the second time, you are out of the program.

They aren't difficult. If you practice during open lab (with a partner), you'll be just fine.

Nolli · May 23, 2014

Skill checkoffs are where you perform a skill in front of an instructor. You have to hit every critical step, or else you won't pass the skill. At my school, we are given remediation if we do not pass the first time, then we have to do it again. If you fail the second time, you are out of the program.
They aren't difficult. If you practice during open lab (with a partner), you'll be just fine.

Ouch. We get another crack at the course if we still bomb it after remediation, but it can tank the GPA.

Skill Checkoffs and the high-stakes HESIs are scary in our program. Thing is they aren't actually that difficult its the stress and agonizing over the potential consequences that makes them what they are. I've learned that I need to focus on doing well and just try my best. I've had classmates have to remediate and they are graduating with me. Don't panic, spread studying stuff out, take the time to think the question or skill through, and then execute.

smf0903 · May 23, 2014

I think nursing school is more overwhelming than terrifying. That said, every now and then, you know that what you're doing with a patient could, if you screw it up, kill them, and THAT can be terrifying. But if you're smart, you turn that anxiety into checking and rechecking what you're doing to ensure that you are being SAFE, and the patient benefits (as do you). :)
There will be times of anxiety, of course. :)

I so agree with this. School itself is overwhelming and riddled with anxiety, but not terrifying. The only thing that comes close to "terrifying" for me is meds. However, like you said I use it to know my meds inside and out, interactions, an possible side effects so I know what to watch for. But I always have in the back of my brain that meds are meds and I can kill someone with them...and that's terrifying to me!

ICUchick · May 23, 2014

I would agree with some of the other responses that the skills check off's early on were the most terrifying. This is followed by a scary and intimidating clinical instructor but if your prepared for the clinical even they won't frazzle you and you will come out feeling accomplished. Its not nearly as scary as it seems - just be prepared to work hard and don't get behind - you'll do great!!