Need Confidence!!!!

Calm down, and take a few deep breaths. It'll be okay. Everyone has to start somewhere. Everyone is scared at first when they start something new. Keep in mind that the nurses you will be with know you are in school, they don't expect you to know everything. If you don't know something, don't be afraid to ask, that's what you're there for.

It will get easier each semester. Don't get frustrated, though, we all know what you're going through.

Good luck!

Okay, so this is kinda cheesy but i'm not sure what else to do. so, i am currently in my first semester of nursing school and i have done well in my classes as far as grades go, but i am about to start my first clinicals and i am TERRIFIED!!!! even though i have done well on the tests and such and i know what i am doing, i just have NO CONFIDENCE in myself at all!!!! and obviously if i don't believe in myself, my patients sure aren't!!! PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!

There is no difference in talking to a stranger in a store than it is in a hospital. It's only your perception. Putting on that uniform does not change who you are. In my years when i was a student the patients were thrilled to have a student nurse take care of them. They knew the routine better than i did. The patients would tell me how it was done and how to do it. They actually made clinicals enjoyable. To have a good day in clinicals my recommendation are: 1) get all your supplies and uniforms out and ready for the am the night before, make sure they are clean and the shoelaces new. Make a list and check it twice. 2) review your assignment before you get to clinicals. 3) Make notes for yourself and write them down and keep them with you (filecards etc). It's ok to look at them, It might even impress your instructor. 4) Get up early the day of clinicals... eat and leave a few minutes early. Get to the hospital early and review your assignment in case things changed. 5) be prepared for the unexpected. 6) take a few deep breaths and wiggle your toes, release that extra energy.7) You control your destiny.. Take charge... you'll be glad you did.