Will I ever feel like I know what I'm doing? :(

Nurse2b7337 · May 27, 2013

I think first, just breathe!! You will be fine and that's what you have to tell yourself. It's normal to have anxiety about things new to us. Anyway, I believe you can do it if not you would not be in the position you're in now. Just think, you beat out so many people for your program.

You got this!!!:) believe in yourself!!

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nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · May 27, 2013

I just started 2nd semester and I'm so scared of clinicals because I feel I don't know what I'm doing My assessment skills need work and I'm worried I wish I could be at least somewhat confident but I haven't been able to practice with anyone who knows what they are doing.

Make the time to do that. Besides, what are you in school for? To learn, that's what. if you knew it already you wouldn't be here. What makes you think that as a beginner you have to be excellent on the first attempt? Practice, practice, practice will make you more confident.

Should I try asking an instructor for help?

Absolutely. Your faculty has seen a lot of students and can probably identify your problem and make some useful suggestions for improvement. Do not blow them off. Do not say, "I can't/won't do that."

Believe it or not, your faculty really are in the business of teaching nursing for a reason, generally because they love it and want to communicate their pride and involvement in the profession to the next generation. Listen to them.

Do you think I might could pay a nursing student ahead of me to tutor me in assessment? I dunno what to do

You can ask, but you'd be a lot better off asking for extra time in learning lab with faculty who know all of this a lot better than last year's student. The faculty will be more skilled and have a better sense of how to explain rationales and techniques to you.

Also, in clinicals, take advantage of the nurses there. Ask, "How did you know that about this patient? What did you observe? How did you know what that meant? Can you show me how you did ... ?" You will find that many different perspectives on assessment can help you solidify your own understanding of clinical situations.

SunshineDaisy, ASN, RN · May 27, 2013

I ditto GrnTea

SunshineDaisy, ASN, RN · May 27, 2013

double post

lpark000 · May 29, 2013

It's okay to feel nervous especially if it's the first time! Just keep reading, practicing and try asking help from teachers. Usually they're willing to help when the student shows initiative and is eager to learn. :)