Nursing Jitters

[NurseNewbie98]

Hello!

I just got accepted into a registered nursing program and as much as I would like to say I am excited for it, I am honestly TERRIFIED. I am having doubts for this program. I am worried I won’t be a very good nurse. I know nursing school is not easy, let alone the field of registered nursing, and I just don’t know if I can do it. For one, I have bipolar depression and generalized anxiety. I am taking medication to help manage my bipolar depression and will soon also be receiving therapy for my anxiety. Although I am getting help, I am still not very confident in my abilities and who I am as a person.

I know that I am very interested in the medical field and always wanted to pursue something medical, but never knew if it was truly right for me. Like - am I even smart enough for this? I am trying to prepare myself by re-reading my Human Anatomy and Physiology textbook before the program starts in January. There is so much I have forgotten. I know the basics, but...

I guess something that I do have going for me is that I care a lot for others. I asked my psychiatrist about this and she told me that the best quality any medical professional could have is the ability to care for, listen to, and be there for others and I seem like someone who possesses that quality. I know my compassion is strong and I would do anything for my patients, but I fear hurting them in the instance an emergency arises or wouldn’t know what to do. I honestly don’t handle stress very well, but can push through it. When I am nervous, it shows. I tend to sometimes freeze when put on the spot, fumble my words, and my hands will even tremble if I am very nervous. Personality-wise, I am more of an introvert. I don’t consider myself very outgoing, but I can hold conversations with people no problem. I can lend an ear whenever needed, but when it comes to giving advice, I don’t always know what to say.

My family is pushing me to pursue nursing. They think I can handle it and believe I am smart enough to do so, but they have this belief that the schooling itself is the only crazy difficult part and that the real job won’t be as intense, but I am pretty sure that’s not true at all. Could someone tell me what it is going to be like as a student versus the real deal? Can I handle it?

[Guest1130203, CNA]

Hello,

Brushing up on A&P is a good idea, I would also suggest figuring out your preferred learning style now. Take advantage of any learning resources available to you once you start the program and see if they will be helpful.

From my own experience as a student, clinicals can be challenging, but improving your interpersonal skills and managing stress is critical. You need to be able to work in a team and advocate for your patients. I believe it is the same in real practice. However, at school, you should be able to practice skills in lab, and you will have an instructor with you while you’re performing skills in clinical. You shouldn’t feel completely alone or lost. If you do, ask for help!

As for whether or not you can handle it, I think that is really up to you. It’s good that you take care of your mental health! Try to practice positive self-talk as much as possible, and try to be patient with yourself. You may come to rely on your classmates and professors for some support, too.

I wish you well!