PLEASE HELP! How do I learn to face my fears????

SarasotaRN2b · Jan 5, 2005

Hi Amanda,

First, I think that 5 y/o are very successful at grossing out the most staunchest of people.:rotfl:

I can understand your fear and concerns...I, too, felt that way and am only pursuing nursing now at age 40. Twenty plus years ago when I got out of high school, I was accepted into an RN program and unfortunately I let my fears get in the way. Maybe at the time, it wasn't the right time...but I still think that I could have been a nurse for 20 years. I don't regret my time in between and it did help me gain some more maturity.

Fear will only grow if you feed it. I feel that if one is prepared which nursing school tries to do, the fear will lessen. Although I won't start my program until the Fall (I'm being optimistic here since I haven't gotten my letter yet), I am planning on taking a 3-cr CPR and First Aid class as well as a Phlebotomy course. I feel that if I can take smaller steps, it will help as I move towards my RN.

The thing that concerns me in your post is your lack ofcomment on self-discipline, which is definitely needed as you go through nursing school. Had you considered taking a step-by-step (CNA - LPN - RN) process? As you see how each upper level nursing works, you can see if this is something that you want to do?

The allnurses bulletin board is also a great resource.

Kris

Good Morning,

Okay, I really need your help/advise PLEASE!

I am having some overwhelming fears and concerns, although I might just be being a big baby:rolleyes:.

I have wanted to be a nurse as long as I can remember, pre-school age.
But I am now questioning my abilaty of becoming one.

I was an C avg. student in high school, I've been out of school 13 years.
My fall semester I rec'd 3 A's and 1 B, but as the classes get tougher I am not sure I'll be able to pull it off again.
I have major self-dicipline issues to overcome.

My biggest fears are clinicles.
I fear the unknown! :uhoh21:

How do I know for sure that I can do this? Will I really be able to take on the responsibilaties that is required of a being a nurse?

How do I know if my stomache can handle what I am about to commit myself to?
This question is a biggy. A few years ago it took a lot to gross me out. BUT as I get older my stomache grows WEAKER. :imbar My five year old successfully grosses me out daily!

Does anyone else have these problems?
How do you overcome them?

I am open to any advice that might help!!!!!!!!!!
Thankyou~Amanda

lovin3angels · Jan 5, 2005

I worked as a cna about 8 yrs ago and really enjoyed my job, gross things aside.

I feel I can really make a differene by becoming a rn.

I know I just NEED to let go of the fears, sometimes they just get a bit overwhelming.

But I also know I really do need to work on my self disipline, although at the time it seams much easier to be a procrastinator. :rolleyes:

loriangel14, RN · Jan 5, 2005

I too had some fears when I started school. Like you it had been 20 years since I had been inside a classroom and I worried that I had been away too long. Like the previous poster I let my fears stop me from being a nurse earlier but I think the years in between have helped me prepare for school now. You will find that it is a lot different going as a mature student. As for self-dicipline.....I found that the first time I got behind on some work because I had been slacking off cured me off that! I don't want to blow this. I don't know about anyone elses experience but I find that things get easier as they go along, things start coming together and your confidence increases.

Best of Luck

Maisie · Jan 7, 2005

First pray and ask God for the ability and strength to do it. Then believe that he has given this to you. Then do it.

I have am just a pre-nursing student, but I spent plenty of time in the hospital with my mother. I saw plenty of gross things. Of course I did not have to touch it, but I know God has given me this ability and the desire to be a nurse. I am not going to worry about how I am going to get through it, I just will.

I grew up with a horrible fear of dogs, but I now have one. Did I get over my fear? No, I am not afraid of this dog, but all others I am. I go into pet stores and other places where dogs are, because I don't believe in fear altering your life desires.

I am also afraid to fly, but am an international traveler. As the old shoe ad goes, " Just do it".

katiebugg · Jan 7, 2005

Good Morning,
Okay, I really need your help/advise PLEASE!
I am having some overwhelming fears and concerns, although I might just be being a big baby:rolleyes:.
I have wanted to be a nurse as long as I can remember, pre-school age.
But I am now questioning my abilaty of becoming one.
I was an C avg. student in high school, I've been out of school 13 years.
My fall semester I rec'd 3 A's and 1 B, but as the classes get tougher I am not sure I'll be able to pull it off again.
I have major self-dicipline issues to overcome.
My biggest fears are clinicles.
I fear the unknown! :uhoh21:
How do I know for sure that I can do this? Will I really be able to take on the responsibilaties that is required of a being a nurse?
How do I know if my stomache can handle what I am about to commit myself to?
This question is a biggy. A few years ago it took a lot to gross me out. BUT as I get older my stomache grows WEAKER. :imbar My five year old successfully grosses me out daily!
Does anyone else have these problems?
How do you overcome them?
I am open to any advice that might help!!!!!!!!!!
Thankyou~Amanda

Amanda,

I have lived my life with many fears. Some rational, and others irrational. i am 41 years old, and I will begin my ADN program on Jan. 18th. Yes, I am nervous, but at the same time I am excited. I left a very sucessful career to pursue my dream, and it was a very scary decision. I am a wife and mother and i have a full time job. I believe that all fears need to be faced otherwise they will only get stronger. On my first day back to college, after 22 years, i was so afraid i was literally shaking and crying. I felt intimidated and unsure of my choice. Slowly I began to feel like I could really do this. I earned great grades, which gave me more confidence, and I am on my way!! It feels great now. I am a little uneasy about the ADN program, not knowing exactly what to expect, but "allnurses" has been wonderful for me. I have read other stories and they have made me more confident that I really can do this.Please don't let fears stop you from going after what you want. We only are on this planet for a short time...make the best of it.I wish you well with your future, and God Bless you.

Katie

lovin3angels · Jan 7, 2005

Thank you all for the great words of wisdom.

It is very reassuring to know I am not the only one who has felt this way, and to know there really is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Again thank you so much.

God bless you all.

~Amanda

bsnrnoh · Jan 7, 2005

Amanda, you can do anything you are willing to work for. I was a high school drop out (want to compare High School grades :rolleyes: ). I started college at 26 y/o with a 6 y/o dtr and husband. I graduated 3 years ago and I had NO hospital experience at all. You can do this if it is something you really want.

And kids can always gross out thier moms. (Unless they are already nurses :coollook: )

Good Luck and have faith in youself.

Fun2, BSN, RN · Jan 7, 2005

As you can tell, you are not alone in this thought. I constantly think to myself about not being able to make it through, and then wonder if I will ever be able to pass the NCLEX if I do manage to graduate.

However, a person is a failure if they don't try. Visualize yourself as an RN, and keep that image in your mind during all your trying times. Try your best, and if that doesn't work, try again! :rolleyes:

Good luck!!!

Chaya, ASN, RN · Jan 7, 2005

What has worked for me is to put it in perspective and remember that I am going home at the end of my shift; but my patient is LIVING through it (whatever...). If they can handle going thru it, the least I can do is help with the nursing them through it.

reipie · Jan 10, 2005

I'm starting pre-nursing school this Thursday and I am scared to death! I am 27 yrs old, married with 2 kids and I am constantly doubting myself. I have prior med experience. I just have to pray and keep trying. Good luck.

Rei