What do you wish you knew when you first began as a student?

[epinephRN]

Reading through many of the posts, I see such common threads of feeling insecure, out of place, frightened, etc as a new student. It reminds me of feelings I felt as a new nursing student. I remember the very first day of clinicals; I felt like an alien on a new planet (!), very out of place, and afraid I would either be in the way or would kill a patient just by my mere presence.

Now, years later as a nurse educator, I see the same look of fear on the faces of new students and have sympathy for them. This is what I wish someone would have told me as I started out:

1. You can do this. It is not impossible, nor will it be easy.

2. Do your best at all times, and always look for as many resources as possible.

3. After doing your own research, ask for clarification/ask questions if you still don't understand.

4. You can learn something from anyone, even people who are not nice!

5. No one values your success as much as you do. Invest your time and hard work.

6. Never give up. You will have people in your life who don't believe in you. Your own belief in your self can be enough.

7. You are not expected to know it all. It is dangerous to pretend you do. In your career you will meet other students, nurses, and instructors who act as if they do. They don't. My students teach me to look at things in a new way all the time. I have more experience, but a fresh perspective has a lot of value. Also, don't look at your lack of experience and knowledge as embarassing. It takes time to build expertise.

8. Be the nurse you would be proud of, the one you would want to work next to and have care for you or your family member. The pressure is so great at times, it is tempting to cut corners. Never take an unsafe shortcut.

9. Value yourself. Take time, even if it is 15 minutes each day to do something refreshing that is only for yourself.

10. Skills will come in time. So many students feel embarassed that their skills aren't perfect. This comes with practice. Learn time and stress management. New grads struggle with this.

11. In this economy, find a part-time job as soon as possible with a company or hospital you enjoy. It is not a guarantee of a job after graduation, but it does help.

12. Most importantly, this time will fly. It is one step in a great career. Take time to laugh, to cry, to be present. To have an education is such a privilege when so many worldwide will never have access to such great opportunities. Value it!

So, what would you say to encourage new nursing students? What do you wish you had known in your first days as a student nurse?

[brittany_micah]

I don't have any advice, but I am one of those new nursing students with the scared look on my face. :) I am scared to death trying to figure out how to manage my time, how much and how to study, and juggle 2 small boys. Thanks for the advice!! I look forward to what everyone has to offer.

[lkwashington]

I agree with all. Responding to #5...if you have negativity in your life it needs to be removed. No one needs anyone to try to hold them down.

[RNTutor, BSN, RN]

A piece of advice I would add that goes along with several of the things epinephRN said...Take advantage of every opportunity in clinicals that you can! You will not feel competent, but do it anyway (under appropriate supervision, of course). The confidence you feel after completing a new skill for the first time (even if you were fumbling and terrified) is exhilarating.

And learn to laugh at yourself. I remember on my OB rotation, the RN asked me if I knew how to remove a Foley and if I would like to do it on the laboring pt. I said YES, even though I had never done it on a real, live pt before. My mind suddenly blanked, and I had no idea what to do first. So I suddenly though...WASH MY HANDS. And while I was washing my hands I calmed myself down and starting thinking step-by-step how to do it...until the RN politely cleared her throat and asked me to step away from the sink so the MD could wash HIS hands! Oops! Guess I washed my hands a little too long...

BTW, I did remove that Foley successfully, AND I laughed at myself later that night

[longbow.shelly]

I don't have any advice, but I am one of those new nursing students with the scared look on my face. :) I am scared to death trying to figure out how to manage my time, how much and how to study, and juggle 2 small boys. Thanks for the advice!! I look forward to what everyone has to offer.

LOL! I'm with Brittany_michah!

[longbow.shelly]

8. Be the nurse you would be proud of, the one you would want to work next to and have care for you or your family member.

I like this. Fabulous advice!