Other students don't think I'm good enough

lhflanurseNP, APRN · Apr 22, 2016

What have your instructors said? What about your preceptors?

Exhuasted · Apr 22, 2016

No comments from preceptors, instructors have said that I need to build my confidence, but not that I can't do it, like the students have said. Instructors just want me to know what I need to work on, rather than just telling me I'm not good enough, they see it as something I'm capable of improving on, not just that I'm not good enough and shouldn't bother to try to change it. And honestly I don't even think the students who have said these things meant any harm by it (at least not most of them), I think it's just their observation of me and they don't realize what a negative effect it has on me. But they've never seen me in an emergency. I've dealt with quite a lot of emergencies outside of the hospital and I'm a different person in those situations. I stay calm and just do what needs to be done without panicking or fumbling. But I don't want to have to be in an emergency situation before my patients know that I'm capable, I want to keep my cool that same way in all situations.

Skittles767, RN · Apr 22, 2016

I'm just like you! In my second to last semester and incredibly quiet around patients.... But as soon as there is just enough stress to cause mild anxiety I am focused, structured, and prioritize everything. Just because you're a little withdrawn does not mean that you won't be good at anything. Acute care isn't psych and we don't have to interact and be the most talkative extrovert on the floor. I think if you focus well with a little anxiety you will do great in any field.... Show patients your confidence with your care not your words (though words won't hurt to be confident with) lol good luck and happy nursing!

TheBlackDogWaits · Apr 29, 2016

I consider myself reserved. I also considered myself a mediocre student at one time, and surrounded myself with people who (probably) believed they would be better nurses than I am. It's ok.

First of all, if you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room. Second, people often find attributes in someone else to look down on - it's a defense mechanism/confidence booster; it's not cool, but it happens. I am a victim of it and guilty of it, as well. Thirdly, so what. You do you. Control what you can control, and control your attitude and reaction to those things you have no control over. In the end, or on the way, or wherever you land is exactly where you need to be. At some point, and it will happen, everything will click and you will feel like you are in exactly the right place at exactly the right time...

... And it'll be all kinds of awesome. Enjoy it before you move on to the next thing that you'll be awesome at.

Good luck and keep your chin up. The people you're in school with, if you're living in a town with more then 200 people, will all fan out into the void after graduation and you'll land a job and work with people who are more like you than not. :yes:

Exhuasted · Apr 29, 2016

First of all, if you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room.

Those words made a really big impact. I've never looked at it that way. We should all be striving for improvement throughout our lives no matter how good we THINK we already are. We should always have someone to look up to, rather than thinking we are above everyone else, that we're at the top. There's room for improvement in everyone. Thanks!

Jayjormom · Apr 29, 2016

I honestly wouldn't care about what the STUDENTS say. Their opinions don't matter and hold no weight. Keep your head up and follow your goals. You won't know what your good at unless you try it.

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Apr 29, 2016

Nursing is a cut throat area and a lot of students and nurses feel the need to put each other down. In practice is different from in real life.

Zibbie · Apr 29, 2016

I think if you want to do it and think you would like it and be good at it you should at least try it. A beautiful thing happens to personalities when it comes to work. Sometimes they change. Mine did. It isn't about you and your comfort because you have a job to do. It might be hard at first but it will get easier. Then when you leave you can be yourself again. It doesn't mean you aren't capable but it can mean you have a hurdle to get over. And to add those other students have no right to tear you down like that. It isn't their business. You do you. And that is coming from someone who has battled career and academic insecurity for a very long time. Try not to let their opinions get to you. You are the only one living your life and that you have to answer to 10 years from now.

erickz623 · Apr 30, 2016

Keep on trucking. Don't focus on students' negative comments. You'll find that they might feel threatened somehow, and thus feel the need to put you down.

I was very shy and introverted when I started my program. I improved by focusing on my work, seeking feedback from professors, making a list of the things I needed to do for myself in order to become more confident, and step outside my comfort zone to maximize my learning experience. M

I am due to graduate in about a week, and I can't tell you how much I've improved over the 2 years of nursing school. I don't get as nervous anymore, I am much more outspoken, and am confident.

Hang in there. It gets better with time. You'll be looking back at your nursing school years soon and you'll realize how much you improved. Good luck!

Purple_roses · Apr 30, 2016

Hmm...so the students (who are not nurses yet and really know next to nothing about what it takes to be a nurse) are trying to tell you what makes a good nurse? I wouldn't put much weight in that.

AlphaM · Apr 30, 2016

I was told many things by my peers as well, now they come begging me for jobs, just sayin