Too dumb to be a nurse?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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I just started my pct training for a hospital. Thing is that I am the only person in the class struggling with some of the skill tests. I sometimes forget 1 step in the procedure and when they ask a question reagarding the procedue, i freeze up and don't know what to say.

I saw the instructor comments and it says I was struggling(only one)

Everyone else in this training class has some hospital experience except me.

Is this a bad excuse or is it common to struggle like this?

I am getting really discouraged because I start nursing school in 2 months and now I am thinking I should just stop.

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I see brand new RNs struggle with PCT/Nurse aide stuff all the time, and this is AFTER graduating from Nursing school.

You need to have thick skin to work in health care, ESPECIALLY as a tech, because you have to learn a lot of stuff on the job, which is a lot more unforgiving and intimidating environment than a classroom.

As my CNA instructor once told us, fake it til you make it (just don't fake something that could kill somebody).

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I actually failed the skill test the first time - though I aced the written. It's harder if you don't have any previous experience. Nursing school itself is much more academic.

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Specializes in Long term care.

You need to be a little more confident in yourself. Saying things like "maybe I'm too dumb to be a nurse" isn't helping!

It's true, fake it 'til you make it. ....meaning, fake your self confidence and eventually you will start to believe it.

Stop worrying about how everyone else is doing. You may have to work a bit harder, or approach it differently, for example, when you study something, say it outloud rather than just read it...

You got this! :up:

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Sorry for the dumb question but what is PCT

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Practice practice practice...

Seriously. Go home and write the steps down over and over again.

It isn't easy. No lie but the more you do it the easier it gets.

Have some faith.

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Sorry for the dumb question but what is PCT

Patient Care Tech

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It's interesting. I was enrolled in an LNA course about a year ago but dropped out because the commute was too long and we were having major blizzards so it wasn't safe to drive. I felt really uncomfortable and stupid during the first course. I thought maybe I had made a mistake of pursuing nursing in the first place. Fast forward to this April, I started a new LNA class (closer to home and during the spring/summer) and it was great. My teacher was better (not that having a teacher you don't like is an excuse (I liked the old teacher but she was very shy and hesitant while my new teacher was very clear and direct)). I aced everything, my lowest grade in the class was a 96. It all depends on the situation. I think it's easy to get down on yourself and question all of your plans when there are bumps in the road. Confidence is key (I have an anxiety disorder and had to fake it til I make it like the others posted). I also was the only one in the class who did the work book cover to cover. I made sure to read before I had to go to class and I asked a bunch of questions. Freezing up is common in stressful situations, the deer in headlights reaction. Deep breathing helps and what helped me telling myself repeatedly "ok, nothing I do with this patient can endanger them. If I need help or have a question, I'll get an LNA (who's not a student), my teacher or a nurse." Yes, the resident might be grumpy because you are making them wait, but I'd rather be sure of what I'm doing than having them fall and fracturing a hip and have me start crying about it. Maybe another student can study with you? A girl that was struggling in my class wanted to study with me and another student per the teachers request, but she ended up just dropping out because she didn't bother getting the help. I think you can do more than you realize and as you do things more and more your confidence will grow!

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oops time for me to go to sleep, tried to correct something that didn't need to be corrected:)

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You need to have thick skin to work in health care, ESPECIALLY as a tech, because you have to learn a lot of stuff on the job, which is a lot more unforgiving and intimidating environment than a classroom.

I agree with this. You MUST have a thick skin in healthcare because the things you do could possibly affect the outcome of the patient and there are going to be people looking at you to see what you're doing right and/or wrong. You're going to have so many LPNs, RNs, physicians, and even other CNAs trying to tell you what to do and put stuff on you because you're the new guy. Don't let them intimidate you. For the most part, your superiors will give constructive criticism to help you, so don't take it personally. As for the other CNAs that have been working for years, don't let them boss you around. It's okay that they give you tips and ask for help, but don't let them run you. They're your equals, not your bosses or supervisors.

As far as your skills go, you're still in training. Don't expect to become some master CNA by the end of your training. Since you're new to being a PCT/CNA, this is a learning experience. Just take your time. You'll get it. You don't have to be a brainiac and do everything correctly and precisely. Not everyone grasps things on the first or second try. There are some things I need to perfect and I am a CNA in pursuit of nursing school as well. Don't put too much pressure on yourself.

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What is a LNA?

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What is a LNA?

I'm guessing it means Licensed Nursing Assistant or Licensed Nurses Aide.

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