Where is my confidence?

[MN2LA]

I know I'm not the only one feeling this way but I guess I need some reassurance....I am just finishing up my first semester in my ADN program. I have learned A LOT but I still feel very lost. I feel I cannot put the pieces of the puzzle together. Will this eventually all come together? I know most will say it will but how do you know you have enough confidence to do your job well and know you are doing it correctly? I'd love to hear some insights.

Thanks!

[Cuddleswithpuddles]

Yes, it will make sense with hard work and persistence.

The only way to know that you will do it well is... to do it. :)

Also, please keep in mind that things often do not click and feel comfortable even years after licensure. When I was a new grad LVN, I constantly asked myself when the knot in my stomach is ever going to go away. It has... and it has not. I feel very comfortable and proficient with my current position but I will be making the move into the hospital setting as a new grad RN in the near future. I have accepted that the first few years will be ridden with anxiety and confusion BUT I am convinced that it will all work out if I work at it. There is a weird sort of peace in that acceptance.

Have faith in yourself, chin up and do the best you can. :)

[jesskidding, LPN]

If you just finished your 1st semester, like me, chances are you learned the "basics" in a Fundamentals class. I just saw the schedule for next semester and it is the same exact concepts we just learned. I suppose we will be getting more in-depth with these concepts in the upcoming Spring semester. Therefore, putting the "puzzle pieces" together.

It's hard to learn difficult concepts at once such as; perfussion, fluids and electrolytes and oxygenation, etc. That's why in 1st semester we learn the basics of all of those and continue to build upon what we have previously learned.