Starting my program in Fall and I'm already nervous.

Norepinephrine · May 24, 2015

I had your same doubts.

For me, it was my first clinical that made me comfortable. I was very, very nervous before every procedure, physical, and even documentation at first, but as the weeks went on, I became more comfortable. Now, I can't wait to do my second clinical so I can do some CNA work!

For advice? I'm no expert since I just finished year 2 of 4 myself, but here's what's helped me:

- Know that you will change a lot before graduation. I know a lot more about nursing than I did after my first year, and I know a lot less than I will when I graduate. Learning/school is a process. No one is born an expert.

- Know that there is nothing wrong with being a novice. Ask others for advice. Double check your work. Be open to being wrong. Be humble. People, for the most part, want to help you, and at this stage in the game, it'd be difficult to harm a patient.

- Know that you may almost be an improved version of yourself in front of patients. I find that I am a lot calmer, more precise, and more confident in front of patients. I'm also a lot happier and less prone to going off on tangents. I wish that version of me was me 24/7! Either way, many people are in their element when they're actually doing nursing work, and become a lot more competant. This didn't happen for some of my friends though, including ones who are better than me. So don't go by this.

- You are a student. You are here to learn, not be a nurse. I'm also a student, not a nurse. We are preparing for the role, and we aren't expected to be ready for it.

Also, here are some things I've found have helped me be a better nursing student:

- Know your meds. Make or buy a reference to take with you at clinical

- Ask questions.

- Double check everything

- Document, document, and document

- Care for patients like you would a sick family member. That'll help you be less nervous in front of them I find.

I hope this helped!

PaulBaxter · May 24, 2015

Being nervous is a very good sign. It means you are aware that you are going into something difficult. I think one of the best ways to mentally prepare is to be AWARE that you have a lot to learn, and to act accordingly.

I've seen a number of my classmates do poorly because they took the attitude that their prior knowledge would be sufficient to carry them through. To a limited extent I had a bit of that myself. If you don't understand, ask. And study hard, but particularly study things about how you take care of the patient.

Good luck.

Just be prepared to listen CAREFULLY to your instructors. Be prepared to take the things you learned in your pre-reqs and put them into a new context. But most of all, be prepared to think in terms of "how will this piece of knowledge affect how I care for a patient."

Wifeyhero · May 24, 2015

Thank you! You were very helpful. I'm sure you're right when I get in front of patients I'll be way more relaxed. I've always been fine in front of patients in previous jobs. =)

Wifeyhero · May 24, 2015

Being nervous is a very good sign. It means you are aware that you are going into something difficult. I think one of the best ways to mentally prepare is to be AWARE that you have a lot to learn, and to act accordingly.

I definitely agree! I know I'm going to have t do a lot more then I have ever done before for classes, but I'm kind of looking forward to it. I just get nervous and doubt myself lol.

Thank you for the advice =D