Embarking on nurse training is exciting, yet it can also be terrifying. You are scared about everything, from your social skills and ability to make friends to your ability grasp the academic content, especially if you spent a few years outside of school. There are many things nursing students are nervous about, which can easily make them forget just how exciting being in school and acquiring new skills can be as they prepare themselves for a rewarding career.
Being a student nurse may cause you to struggle, but it is a privilege and a great experience. Students before you have faced several fears and anxieties, and somehow managed to cope with them, and become successful in their career. You can, too!
Commons Fears All Nursing Students Have Experienced At Least Once
- Criticism
As optimistic as you may be when joining a nursing school, it would not do you much good to think that you will be the best nurse ever. You have to develop thick skin to protect yourself from the constant criticism as everything you do or say for the next few years is being scrutinized and pulled apart. You will be criticized both constructively and otherwise, like when nothing needs to be said for the disapproval to hit home. You have to get used to it, as personal appraisals are part of your job and training.
- Inability to cope in the ward
This may be connected to the previous point, as you will be constantly reminded that you are not perfect. While you should not be too sensitive, you should also not be overly tough and gnarly. Listen to feedback, as it is probably not personal, and use it to mould yourself. Trainers and mentors are there to mould you into a strong, capable, insightful, and well adjusted nurse who can handle the demands of the work environment.
- Not smart enough
Often times a bad grade will send us further down into the pits as we begin to self-analyze and come to the conclusion that “maybe I’m not cut out for this…”. Did you know some of the most successful people probably had the same thoughts at some point? The difference between them and the average person is their ability to learn from these mistakes while still pushing forward. Don’t give up, stay motivated, and keep your eye on the prize. It’s tough of course, but you will feel that much better when you reach your destination.
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- Might not get a job after graduation
Some people are concerned that they might invest a lot of time and money in a program and still not be able to find their dream job. But nothing in life is guaranteed. While it is hard to tell your fate after graduating, you can look at current statistics for the demand and annual pay for registered nurses. The Bureau of Labor statistics claims that employment of registered nurses will continue to grow at 26 percent between 2010 and 2020. Career opportunities for nurses are as high as ever.
There are many other concerns, like your ability to juggle school, work and family life, or where you will get your fees from, or even whether you can get the time to go to school. There are many challenges, so you have to establish the right support systems – family, friends, and mentors – and stay focused on your dreams and the ultimate reward.
