Need as much advice as possible-considering leaving nursing program.

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Hello,

This is my first post, and I apologize if it isn't in the right area! :)

I am a 22 yr. old nursing student. I have only been in my nursing program for 5 weeks, and my program is aimed at attaining an associates degree w/ an N.L.N. accreditation in 2 years. I am a very good student and find myself completely overwhelmed by everything that has happened thus far.

We started clinicals on week 2, and I would say that most of my stress is derived from my lack of clinical experience. I am a big ball of nerves whenever I enter the hospital. I have never even changed a baby's diaper--let alone an adult's. I find that something as simple as changing an occupied bed or bathing a patient gets me incredibly anxious and nervous. This feeling has been continuous throughout my 1 month of clinical experience. (We practice the skills in class a day before we go into the hospital to get tested on them.)

Since I am so incredibly stressed and find myself crying everyday when I get home from the hospital, I am questioning what my next move should be...

A-Continue with my program despite the fact that I am uncomfortable in the clinical setting as of now and find myself in tears every time I come home from clinicals. (ASN-2yr-NLN Accreditation.)

B-Withdraw myself from my current program and transfer to the university's program in Spring (provided that I made the cut w/ a 3.8 GPA) where I can get a semester in pharmacology & patho-physiology, and lots of in skills practice time before entering the clinical setting in semester 2. (BSN-3yr program-no NLN accreditation.)

C-Withdraw myself from the program and get a job being a CNA for 3 months to see if it is something I can potentially be comfortable with before entering the university's program.

D-Withdraw myself from nursing all together because the likelihood of me getting comfortable with clinical skills is unlikely? (Need advice on whether or not others have experienced this.)

Please provide me with any advice. I am in a really difficult situation right now. I have the spot in a nursing program that people have tried years to get and I got it on my first try. If I leave the program--I obviously can't go back. If I stay, I may potentially be making myself even more unhappy. There is a small chance that if I transferred to the university's program, I might not get in if a bunch of 4.0 students apply. I have never been so stressed out--losing sleep, not working out, eating poorly, experiencing poor relationships with the ones that I love, etc.

I feel like I am blabbing, but any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you so much in advance.:o

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I understand where you are it.

I went into nursing school with no prior experience, and now I'm a graduating senior and I have never been employed as a student nurse. It's intimidating when your classmates have been CNAs or student nurse techs and they know more about that stuff than you. I remember during my SECOND semester of med-surg, I was really nervous about ambulating a patient in the hall. And I had night clinicals so for the longest time I was extremely uncomfortable with bedbaths too because I didn't have to do them for 2 semesters.

IT GETS BETTER.

I know it's scary and I know it's really intimidating walking into a patient's room - I felt that through my whole program; now it's my last semester and I can tell you, it gets better. I actually FEEL like a nurse thanks to my management clinicals and taking 4 patients by myself and doing total patient care for them.

My first semester of nursing school was a nightmare, because I was like, "I'm going to wiping ass and toileting people my whole life?"

It took some time, but the more clinicals I had the more I saw that that's NOT the definition of nursing. That's not what nursing is. I know it's intimidating, but think about WHY you are doing what you are doing. The pt is sick in the hospital, and they feel like crap, so you help them clean up. And they are so grateful.

Please give yourself time. I was miserable during nursing school, but the longer I did it, the better it got.

You worked really hard to get here. I would just hate to see you miss a chance for an amazing career.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/Peds/O.R./Legal/cardiology.

ANurse2B,

Bless your heart! What you are feeling is ENTIRELY normal! You will feel more and more comfortable as you progress and get more experience in the clinical setting. Don't be so hard on yourself. If you already knew it all, there would be no need for school! You should have seen my first bed making experience in the hospital! :lol2: It took me about 3 hrs. and was still pitiful!! I know my instructor was laughing under her breath but she didn't say a word (former army nurse, too--she told us that a nickel was to bounce off the sheets!) Damn, my sheets wouldn't bounce a BEACH BALL! :uhoh21:

Anyway, I've been an RN now for 30+ yrs. and managed to survive a WHOLE LOT worse. You will, too! Hang in there, newbie!!

ebear

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Relax. It's only been a little over a month. Of course you don't know what you're doing and lack clinical experience... otherwise you wouldn't need to go to school, now would you?

Look at it logically here. Your instructors are not going to allow you to harm anyone. You're not going to be put into a position where they feel you are in over your head. Because it's their license you are working under. They have faith in your abilities, now it's time for you to do the same :)

Take some time out for yourself and decompress. And get plenty of sleep--- sleep deprivation is only going to exacerbate your stress. Eat right, exercise, have fun.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, NICU, ER, PICU.

I agree, I would try to stick it out a few more weeks and see if it gets better for you. I was an EMT going into nursing school so I was trained and had pretty much seen it all. I think everyone is nervous in clinicals. Try to relax and just take it one day at a time, don't let your anxiety get the best of you. If you have a bad day, remember tomorrow is a new day! Nursing isn't for everyone so don't beat yourself up about it if you feel you can't handle it, good luck to you in whatever you choose. :nuke:

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I know my instructor was laughing under her breath but she didn't say a word (former army nurse, too--she told us that a nickel was to bounce off the sheets!)
Hey!

I think we had the same instructor!

:lol2:

Even now, I'll have patients jokingly comment about how precise I try to be with my bed-making skills... I just give them a level gaze and tell them they've clearly never met Ms. H.

LOL.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, NICU, ER, PICU.

But what I REALLY wanna say is don't quit!!! LOL :p

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Specializes in Home Health, Geriatrics.

Hang in there! None of us was born with a stethoscope in our hands. It takes time to get used to doing everything a nurse does. I've been a nurse for many years and there are still things that make me nervous. I don't let it slow me down and I never, ever let the patient know that I am a nervous wreck. Please don't leave nursing. Us old timers need you young nurses to take care of us when we really get old (Heaven help you all!). There are so many wonderful nurses on this website who will be standing behind you and you can reach out to any of us. I'll be praying for you.:welcome::balloons:

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Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.

You are smart! Look where you've gotten too in life. Scary yeah, but it is unknown to you at this time. Give it a chance, just like the above posters, we need you, and relax and sleep and eat...........take a deep breath!

Best of luck to you!!!

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Specializes in Trauma ICU,ER,ACLS/BLS instructor.

We all feel for ya. I was 17,barely,carried a full 16 credits each semester,never worked in any health care area. It was real hard and a tough adjustment. You will succeed! Take a deep breath,get urself organized and hook up with a study team for reinforcement. I bet u r not the only one feeling this way. Quit now and u may regret it. Good Luck!

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In my opinion, I think you should stay. After the semester, see if you can work as a student nurse tech. That way you can improve your skills. I felt the same way last year when I first started, but now I am more comfortable. I worked for six months after completed nursing 101.

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