dumb_

Is this normal? This semester was like entering a different world for me. I felt unsure of myself the whole way, and I'm still lacking confidence. We practiced various skills in the lab--but the only real nursing skills I got to practice in clinicals was a single med pass, insulin, and basic wound care. And I still struggle with patient care occasionally. I feel very behind, like I haven't gotten enough out my clinical education this semester. I'm just tired of constantly second-guessing myself and being afraid. Clinicals stress me out so much, and I feel like I mess up every step of the way. Were any of you in this position? Does it get better? What can I do now to help increase my confidence?

I entered the program with no experience whatsoever. Looking back, I've learned so much--of course I have! In fact, it's almost overwhelming to rethink everything I've learned. However, I still don't know what the hell I'm doing, and the fact that I'll (hopefully) be a licensed nurse by the end of this year boggles my mind. Hell, I still struggle with some CNA skills. I still find BPs challenging at times. Yet, I'm going to have people's lives in my hands soon?! Praying that Med-Surg will make me loads more confident, because I'm sure gonna need it.

BPs were the easiest skill for me to pass. I practiced on my family and classmates, and never once had a problem. My instructor said I performed the skill perfectly. But ever since beginning clinicals, I have not been able to take an accurate blood pressure on a SINGLE patient. I make sure the cuff fits perfectly; make it snug (fit two fingers fit inside); and I make sure my stethoscope is adjusted properly. But my first issue is, I have difficulty finding the brachial pulse on most of these patients. Then, once I get the cuff lined up and start pumping up, I either can't hear the sounds at all (even though I made sure to place the steth right over the artery), or I miss the first number. I feel like a complete failure, because there's no reason I shouldn't have this down by now. I'm afraid to speak to my instructors about this because I will get chewed out (the semester is almost over). People have been failed out for not being able to take a BP. Any tips?

That's such a heartwarming and thoughtful comment. I really appreciate you sharing your story with me. It helps me put things in perspective. The residents really do make my day, even if I may be shy--so I hope I can have a story like yours one day.

(oops, commented in the wrong place)

Tomorrow will be my fifth day of clinicals in my LPN program, and I still feel lost. I can meet my patient and complete the physical assessment, but after that, I don't know what to do. I still haven't really practiced any skills on real patients, not even bathing. When I get into the clinical setting, I freeze up and forget everything I've learned. All of my classmates have CNA experience and have no trouble in clinicals. Yet, I'm over here feeling unconfident and useless. What can I do to push myself and make the most out of clinical education? Thanks for reading~

I'm getting tested on vital signs this week, and I'm having trouble with blood pressures. I have no problem finding pressure rates through auscultation alone. But my instructor requires that we palpate to find systolic, then pump up 30 from there. I've tried on my parents and several friends, but I can never feel that first pulse. Any tips?

I'm starting the LPN program next month. I have no clinical experience--in fact, I have no job experience whatsoever. I'm a pretty shy person, not very confident, so I worry that I will perform horribly during clinicals. What can I do beforehand to elevate my confidence?

Hi all, I'm a 20-year-old in my first year of college, aiming to apply for the LPN program next year. Because this semester is coming to a close, I've starting applying for work--but my issue is that I have no previous work experience. I wanted to aim for something related to nursing, but most of my interviews have ended with "we want someone with more experience". How likely is it that I can land an entry-level nursing-related job without any prior experience? Should I keep trying, or apply elsewhere instead (retail, etc.)?

Thanks for the kind words. Becoming a CNA is a really good idea, and I was already considering it beforehand. Your advice is appreciated!

I'm 20, still living at home, socially awkward, depressed, and morbidly obese. I lack self-confidence and social skills even when doing basic everyday tasks. When given instructions, I often freeze up and become anxious, which causes me to mess up, stumble, stutter, drop things, etc.. I have no work experience whatsoever (every interview has ended with "we want someone with more experience'). Basically, I'm very immature. My parents suggested that I become a nurse, because the field has a high job outlook. I wasn't fond of the idea at first, but I decided to pursue practical nursing because I had no idea what else I wanted to do. I'm currently taking pre-requisites, and will finish this semester in early May. The problem is, I need to take the TEAS test, have a physical screening, and complete a CPR class by the end of this month, because May is the application deadline. I don't even know if I can complete all of these requirements in time, let alone pay for them. My point is that I'm terrified, and I feel that I'm not ready for the demands of nursing school. My mental maturity has not improved much at all since high school. I feel that I need to take some time off from college to work on my confidence, volunteer for experience, apply for any work I can, and start losing weight. I'm really not looking forward to nursing school this summer (if I get accepted), because I just don't feel ready. But on the other hand, my parents are pushing me to graduate ASAP so that I can be financially independent. I'm sorry if this question is pathetic, but I don't know where else to turn.