Need some advice

[jmarie10802]

Hello. I am a second year nursing student in an assocaites degree nursing program. I hate school for a variety of reasons: It takes up most of my time-leaving me with very little time for friends, family, bf, exercise etc. I work also as a CNA only every other weekend though. I also hate it beacuse I have a lot of anxiety .Clinical days whereby I have to perform a skill for the first time or in lab when I have to do the same thing in front of an instructor...I get so nervous..to the point where I get stomach cramps and literrally blank on something I studied/reviewed thoroughly. Also having to speak in our now oragnized post conferences about our patient is overwhelming. I do not excel in clinical I believe because of my anxiety, slow learning, however I do very well on tests. I think anxiety in clinical and lab might stem from not learning the technical skills as quickly as most. I also hate going into the nursing lab to practice for this reason as well. Regardless, every day in school is becoming like hell for me. I thought going into nursing school and becoming a nurse would help me grow as a person and that I would adjust, but I'm not. I am waiting to be approved for med insurance so I can be evaluated and treated for a possible anxiety or learning disorder. (I suspect ADD). Do any of you have any practical strategies for dealing with this sort of anxiety or ways to enhance/faciliate learning nursing skills.

[dreamct]

Sounds like you may need to talk to someone about the anxiety. In the meantime remember to relax. Remember deep breathing. Study hard and remember nursing school is just a small chapter in your life. About the no time for fun...Welcome to nursing school!

[chevyv, BSN, RN]

I feel the same way. I'm a part timer and am just finishing up my last theory class and then onto my last clinical (in Jan). I'm already dreading the clinical. I do pretty well, but so many instructors seem like they really aren't there to help students learn.

I'm just keeping my eyes on the prize and moving forward. I just wanted to let you know that you are definately not alone in your quest. Be certain that other students in your clinical feel the same way. I wish you the best. :wink2: