New Nursing Student- Anxiety?

[lindsmichelle]

I just found out yesterday i was accepted into nursing school! I start in 15 days! and all i can feel is stress and anxiety and nervousness versus happiness and excitement? Is this normal? Im thinking its just because everything is happening SOOO fast!

[AViceRN]

Clinicals are the best part :) - you learn so much and once youre actually out doing things - you will realize how natural things are to you. I loved clinicals!

[MadpeysRN]

My suggestion, if you aren't a good critical thinker, get a book and read it before you start. How to take tests critical thinking style or something because that's how the tests are. Not barf back A&P style. I got A+'s in AP 1 and 2 and Micro. NS is nothing like that and I am only on week 4. And relax, watch TV, lot's of it. I haven't watched tv in 4 weeks, no joke. Don't know what I am going to do when True Blood comes on on the 26th. Glad Grey's and PP just ended. Get ready to join the "no life" club! Cheers! FYI, you'll do fine. Oh yeah, trying to absorb all the outside info and insider tips just adds more stress (feeling like your missing out on that vital tip from term before you that has a sadistic pleasure in conviencing you after the 1 st rounds of test's you will fail the 2nd's) and takes away from study time. Keep gossip to a minimum, make friends to study with and support you and study EVERY day.

[sommeil, ASN, RN]

i couldn't even relax and enjoy my pre-nursing school time off because i was so worried about it. i felt like all my free time had to be studying up on patho or reading about how to take critical thinking tests. so yeah.. totally normal.

[MadpeysRN]

Mean either, by 20/20 is hindsight.

[HoneyGamble]

I know how you feel with the anxiety. I don't start nursing school until August however I'm still very nervous and anxious. Most of my anxiety comes from having to take A&P I & II while taking my nursing courses during the first two semesters of nursing school. I was unable to take A &P I & II before nursing school due to daycare issues. Now I have the daycare but I'm too late to take at least the first A & P class during the summer semester. I'm wondering can I handle it all, fully learn everything, and maintain good grades. Any advice in my situation would be greatly appreciated.

[ChadlyRN]

I had a nursing instructor that told us, " a little stress an anxiety are good for you." It really is, it will keep you on your toes and make you double check everything until you are 100% sure of your actions.

Congrats on getting into the nursing program. It's going to be tough but the rewards are worth it. Enjoy nursing school, find a good group of classmates to study with. These are bonds you will have for life.

[CAVER RN]

1. Airway, Breathing, Circulation.

2. The patient's pain is what the patient says it is (whether you believe 'em or not)

3. You are always being watched as a student. Managers and employers will notice the ones that stand out, and they all communicate with each other! Never, ever...goof off. Always look hungry to learn.

[benr98]

I also start in August. I am so looking forward to class in the fall. I am working as a CNA now so that I could get a good idea of what it is like to be a nurse. I know this does not tell me a lot but it does give me a good idea of things that go on and more so an idea of wound care. I do know it is just a small step but I have heard of at least two students who quit their nursing course after their first day of clinicals. I get to help some of the nursing students when they come into the hospital to do their clinicals and I hate to say it but I also have to do damage control when they leave. Please before you say something that makes the patient question you please talk to your preceptor first.

[snookiejc]

I start in August, but preregistration is this Friday. I am beyond thrilled, but incredibly nervous about everything. We've all been working so hard to get in and now the real work begins! Good luck to everyone!

[tobesmartt]

Good luck! Remember to treat your patients as you want to be treated, and also your co-workers. Does not matter what status they are.

[shelbias]

Congratulations! Nursing school is like taking a sip of water out of a fire hydrant as my clinical instructor said. Learn what you can, observe and practice as much skills as you could.

I was in the same boat as you two years ago when I started my ADN. It goes by really fast. Now, I'm starting BSN in August and the feelings are the same. So sit back and hold on tight. Get ready to grab it by the horns. :)

[Cuezee2]

Congratulations! The stress and anxiety go away with time. I'm starting my senior year in the fall and I don't feel those feelings anymore. You'll never be 100% comfortable, but you'll learn to relax. Good luck to you!