RN class presentations

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · Jan 11, 2009

I am a senior BSN student (graduating in April 09).

I can't think of many classes where we HAVEN'T had to do any presentations.

Thankfully, many have been group presentations so you are not the only one standing

up in front of the class.

I hate them with a passion. I am not that great of a public speaker. It gets

easier, the more that you do.

Just remember, most people will be just as nervous as you.

Relax. You will do great. Most of the topics I presented on were issues

that I was interested in and/or passionate about, so I never had any problems with content.

Powerpoint will be one of your best friends when you graduate

Good Luck!

Diane

(105 more days.....)

Okhotneek · Jan 11, 2009

In our school we have tons. Every semester there are at least 3 big presentations we have to do. One was in front of a group of 100+ and that one was actually the most fun! And guess what, I'm terrified of speaking in public too. Don't think about it right now or you'll talk yourself out of doing this. Don't let something as silly as talking in front of people keep you from your dream. I think pretty much EVERY school you go to will require public speaking. It's impossible to bypass. My anatomy class even required a presentation :-( Most of the presentations are with a group and after a while they aren't so bad because you know most of the people in the class. Also, you will have to perform in front of your instructor and other people under pressure all the time. There are groups like toastmasters that can help with your fear of public speaking. Nursing school seems to be getting me over my fear though, hopefully I'll be a decent speaker before I graduate :-)

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2009

It is getting you used to the teaching function of RNs. As a working RN I had to give presentations a number of times during my career. You can try and get out of them, but eventually the ball bounces your way. We teach. It's part of our job whether it is one on one with a patient, to a small group of our peers, or a large room of people. That's what it means to be a professional. It's OK to be nervous and scared. You just don't high tail it and run the other way! :roll When I took speech, one of the suggestions our instructor made was that we place stickys or peices of colorful construction paper on the walls to look at and focus on during our talks so we didn't have to look at the people in the audience. For some, that helps you concentrate on what you need to say and not worry about people looking at you. It also prevents you from looking down at the floor and keeps you looking like you are making eye contact. You should also write the presentation out and memorize as much of it as you can and practice it over and over and over. You are less likely to forget something that way. If you know the subject you are going to talk about, you are less likely to blow it.

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · Jan 11, 2009

each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing.

i live by that motto....

craigm · Jan 12, 2009

Thanks for all the info guys!

I guess I just have to lick this fear of public speaking.

This has been something I've avoided all my life and iit really is time to face it.

I'm not sure where it comes from?? Maybe my childhood, or just really low self esteem. Whatever It is, I'm going to face it. Cause DAMN it, I want to be a Nurse! :banghead:

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Jan 12, 2009

Thanks for all the info guys!
I guess I just have to lick this fear of public speaking.
This has been something I've avoided all my life and iit really is time to face it.
I'm not sure where it comes from?? Maybe my childhood, or just really low self esteem. Whatever It is, I'm going to face it. Cause DAMN it, I want to be a Nurse!

Br aware that there are many actresses and actors that have this same problem, believe it or not. You may never lick the fear, but you can face it. Knowing what to do to help yourself deal with it and be prepared to cope with it is much of the uphill battle.

anewday · Jan 12, 2009

I don't think we have them. Knocking on wood. We didn't get anything like that first semester. And I hope it stays that way. I really don't like presentations and a lot of group work. Not because I fear public speaking but it's a pain to have to meet up with others to do this type of work. And in group situations some people don't like to pull their weight. We have a ton of reading and a lot of work to hand in for clinicals already.

jeninthedesert, BSN, RN · Jan 12, 2009

We've had to do presentations on providing culturally congruent care to patients who are from a different ethnic background. It's not so bad.

shrimpchips, LPN · Jan 12, 2009

So far I only had to do one presentation in one of my nursing classes - called intro to nursing, and boy was that class a joke! she would randomly call on people to present, and some people were put into groups while others had to do it by themselves.

this semester I am taking a pubic speaking class and I am absolutely terrified. Public speaking is a big issue for me and to be honest, I think I'm more afraid of that than I am of dying! We have to do 6 speeches - 2 are in a group and the other 4 are individual. I haven't had the class yet because this is my first week into the semester, but I'm having a slight panic attack just thinking about it (no joke). :bluecry1: I don't think I will ever get over this fear....