Question from Nursing 2 Student

Hi

I have been reading for a while now, I have a question for all the grads. I am in Nursing 2 now, we have 3 5 week rotations, I am doing L&D now and LOVE it, I do great with the moms, babies, etc. but once I get to post conference and our teachers asks questions such as "how can a woman in labor get 1000ml of LR within 30-45 minutes" my only thought was thru IV, the answer was since she has good cardiac output she can handle a large load easily, b/c if she was 80 she would wind up with pulmonary edema. I am so concerned that I cant think like a nurse, I am not sure if we should know EVERYTHING, or that I dont know anything. I have Wonderful grades, but its times like post conference I doubt my ability to be a nurse.

Any advice?

Denise

I don't have any advice, but I do want to say that this happens to most everyone. Once, in my med-surg rotation, I couldn't divide 100/4 when put on the spot about a flow rate!!! LOL. My instructor was dying laughing at me. She KNEW I knew it, but I drew a blank. There were other instances where this type thing happened, one was on post partum with a hypertensive patient. Upon realizing her BP was elevated, I immediately lowered the head of the bed and had the patient lie on her left side, but at post conference, when I was asked what the first thing I did for her was, I said "reported her elevated BP to the staff nurse" whereupon my instructor said "if this had been an NCLEX question, you'd be WRONG". LOL. These are just basic nursing issues I couldn't answer at the drop of a hat, so don't feel bad about not being able to answer a more complex question. I'm sure you'll do great and no one ever died from embarrassment. I surely didn't when I couldn't divide 100/4.

That's what post conference is for, continued learning. By asking the more difficult questions she is getting you to start thinking under pressure. It's ok that you couldnt at this point it comes with time. I'm sure she didnt expect everyone to know what she ment or actually know the answer. But look, youve learned it now.

Don't be discouraged :) Even seasoned nurses will tell you that they learn something new everyday. I remember feeling exactly like you did and level 2 was just 2 semesters ago for me... I'm stunnined by how much more I know now... so hang in there... it comes with time and experience on the floor :) You're gonna be awesome :)

that's what post conference is for, continued learning. by asking the more difficult questions she is getting you to start thinking under pressure. it's ok that you couldnt at this point it comes with time. i'm sure she didnt expect everyone to know what she ment or actually know the answer. but look, youve learned it now.

i have definately learned a bunch from her, it always makes sense after she explains it:rotfl: :rotfl: !!!!!

thanks