What is wrong with me?

[2bornot2b]

I feel completely helpless, stupid, unprepared..........it's like everything i have learned in the last 18 months, i have lost. I'm in my final preceptorship, on a day surg unit, and I just watch as i feel as though i know nothing! I know my stuff, i know what i am to do but i feel as though i know nothing! What is going on with me?? Is it performance anxiety as i know this is my final practicum? Yes, i am rusty on some skills as i haven't used them since july (IV admin) and some skills i have yet to do (catheter). I know I should've and can go to lab and practice but when do I have the time to make it there? I don't want to screw up (in front of my preceptor) and fail something that I have yet to do. I'm only into my 3rd day so really, I'm just orientating on the unit. Graduation is Monday, even though I'm not finished until February 5th, i feel as though this is a jinx. What if I don't make this practicum?? I know I can do this, but why am I sooo scared and anxious?

This may sound rediculous to some of you out there, but, if anyone has felt the same way, can you just give me some advice?! (Besides studying and researching as that is what I am doing everyday!)

[linzz]

There is nothing wrong with you. It is a huge transition from school to the real deal and the real deal is very stressful for an experienced nurse.

I will give you some advice that I wish I had been given, if your preceptor and yourself don't mesh, ask for a new one right away. This happens all the time for many reasons. In regards to patient care, research every night after work so you understand the whole patient and what they are going through. In addition, watch your patient very carefully, you really can't check too often as they can turn on a dime.

But really just try to not be too stressed, take some deep breaths, count to 10 and then refocus. You can do this if you want to.

P.S. There are some really good threads here on organizing your day, so check them out.

[Fiona59]

I would suggest being completely honest with your preceptor about your skills. I have to ask, how did you make it to the end without a catheter insertion???

Day Surgery really isn't the best place for a final preceptorship as it is a very controlled environment. In my hospital it's for experienced staff with a good knowledge base and who are sure in their assessent skills.

Can you go back to your school and use the lab for skills? I know we could.

So sit down, write a list of what skills you need to brush up on. Talk to your preceptor. The final placement is about honing your skills and working out the details of nursing. It also really isn't your preceptor's job to teach them to you.

They are there to mentor your development and help build your confidence. They will be happy to stand by and be there for you to insert a foley, etc.

But in Day Surgery there isn't a lot of skills other than good assessment, interviewing, IV insertions &removal, followed by a lot of teaching and documentation.

[linzz]

I hear you Fiona59, nobody in my class consolidated in Day surgery. I too thought it was just where you go after many years of experience. I don't work in a hospital so I guess things have changed in some hospitals.