Nursing school and anxiety

[Bleblenurs18]

I’m struggling with confidence in my nursing program and I know it shows badly at clinical. I’m constantly second guessing myself. I have so much anxiety going on in my head that I second guess or end up forgetting to do something. I have a B in the courses I’m currently taking including my clinical course, but I get so scared of everything when I have to perform in front of my instructor. It feels like my mind is going 100miles/hr and I’m just rushing to finish the task. I don’t understand why I do this. I know I’m not stupid. For example; I had to give a subcut heparin shot and was second guessing the angle, or pinching the site..like I feel so dumb sometimes.. I know my peers (clinical group) are not dealing with the same thing as most of them have been a tech for years so it “seems” like the hands on portion of nursing school comes so easy for them. I constantly find myself second guessing that if I ever made it out of nursing school should I even work in a hospital? Will I ever develop the level of critical thinking I need to be a great nurse? Am I smart enough? Why am I letting my anxiety get the best of me? Do my instructors think I’m dumb? Why Am I so forgetful on simple tasks? Is something seriously wrong with me? I have less than 1yr till graduation, I am under a lot of stress with home life, one of my instructors think I have ADHD and this week my Dr prescribe an antidepressant for a different reason, but I feel it has helped calm my nerves as well. I’m not sure if I’m venting or looking for advice but I’m just tired of feeling stupid I guess.

[studentbear, CNA]

What you're describing is imposter syndrome and believe me, unless your cohort are unusual af, many/all of them are also experiencing it. I've been a CNA for several years and while I have lots of the interpersonal skills and technical skills down pat, I still second guess myself over silly details. For example, once I even did something once that I knew better than to do! I recapped a needle with my hand (it was the kind where it's builtin, so I just did it with the same hand that was holding it.) I had never done that ever and idk what I was thinking.

Try and take a little time the night before and/or right before clinical to review skills. Just have a little cheat sheet handy, something to refresh your memory. It may help.

I'm glad the antidepressants sound like they're helping you. Please make sure you're taking care of yourself as it'll help manage your anxiety and general wellbeing (enough sleep, balanced diet, regular exercise, etc. at MINIMUM)