Ok, starting my RN clinicals this fall and somedays it feels like I am taking a big leap with no parachute.
Background...35, married with 2 boys, and a practicing dental hygienist for 14 years. I certainly feel comfortable with my patients and blood (left over chicken and popcorn husks) has never been an issue. However, I have always felt that I picked the wrong career and finally made the decision to get my RN.
So, for those of you out there, second careers and families, does the idea of making a career change make your head feel as if its going to explode? :selfbonk:
One of my biggest concerns is making a dosing error. What happens if you screw up the medication? I'm getting a 98 in pharm which I am happy with, but my nursing patients tell me to quit worrying over this. What happens if you are told to do something stat and you have no idea what to do?
I guess I am scared of screwing up and causing harm to a patient.
Is this normal apprehension? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Boy do I love that idea! I hated never knowing if today was my day or not. I hated scrambling to look up 12 or 20 meds and then the instructor doesn't show up. I could have been doing patient care during that time.
Hi, Jennifer and welcome to the future nursing world...My prediction: you are going to be an exceptionally lucky nursing student and then when you graduate one of the better nurses of your class. Why? You have had the chance to work in a clinical setting already. You are familiar and comfortable with many basics in the dental arena that will also apply to nursing. You are aware of the seriousness and the responsibility of taking proper care of folks. No need to feel so overwhelmed that you frighten yourself out of continuing to realize your goal. You will do just fine. School prepares you for work as in any other major in college. It is just the fundamentals and theories of nursing with a little bit of practice thrown at you in clinical. However, may I just remind you that there are always more experienced nurses and/or other resources available to you at work once you are practicing on your own when you graduate. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress. Steady those nerves. You CAN do it. Remember, all of us were students once and learned what we needed to survive as nurses....whether we needed to use our brains STAT! LOL or could ask someone for help or advice on what to do. Second pairs of eyes, ears, or a brain of someone else you are working with is always a good starting point.
Thanks for all of the encouraging words. I have been at this site 'visiting' for awhile but rarely do I post. There is so much valuable information posted here that will help with school, I know I'll be back often. I just want to tell all the nurses out there how much you are valued and appreciated, especially for being mentors to all of us who will be joining the ranks soon!
Looking forward to the day that I have the "RN" behind my name!
It's okay to be scared! I too chose nursing as a second career. I worked medical records for several years, and finally decided to go to nursing school at the age of 32. The first few clinical days are really nerve racking, because you are so unsure of what to do, and you will feel like your in the way. But hang in there. Don't be afraid to jump in and volunteer to do something new (that will help build your confidence!) I am getting ready to graduate on May 11, and I am a lot more confident than when I started.
And if you do make a medication error, JUST REMEMBER, everyone makes a mistake at some point in their career!!! ** If they don't, they are either lying about it or to stupid to realize that they actually made a mistake!!!!
Natkat, BSN, MSN, RN
872 Posts
Boy do I love that idea! I hated never knowing if today was my day or not. I hated scrambling to look up 12 or 20 meds and then the instructor doesn't show up. I could have been doing patient care during that time.
Thanks for sharing!