Splotchy!

[brookejean]

Please help! Im a first semester nursing student and have a terrible case of the splotches all along my neck during clinical. I know its my anxiety and Ive had it all my adult life. Its just very embarrassing when I step into a pts room, explain to the patient that Im a student nurse but reassure them that I will give them the best care possible when I have a heat rash on my neck!

Any tips on how to deal with this?

Thanks!

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

As you know, we cannot give medical advice on Allnurses. However, there might be some anxiety-reducing behaviors or ideas that the members might share.

Personally, if I was a patient and you came into my room and offered to help, I wouldn't care if you had tentacles and spoke Klingon, I'd take the help gladly! You don't know how such a simple task as offering to help a patient can seem like hitting the Lottery to that patient, especially when all she can do is lie in bed and stare at the walls.

So my advice would be -- forget about yourself by immersing your thoughts in caring for the patient. It'll change your focus and help you to become less self-conscious.

[choosier2003]

That first semester is very intimidating for everyone I think, I know it was for me, but by the second semester, I promise you will be much more at ease and comfortable with your patients.