You Know Way More Than You Think You Do

Ok, so you’re worried about remembering everything you learned in nursing school when it’s actually time to be a nurse IRL... I get it. Nursing school goes so fast and so many things are thrown at you that you forget about them. But here’s the secret- you only forget about them until it’s time to use them! All that nursing knowledge is stored in your very efficient brain!

And when it does come time to use them... listen up cause I want to drill this into your brain...

It won’t be all at the same time. So no need to panic. You won’t be on a unit where you are doing All. Of. The. Things. For realz.

You won’t be changing a tracheostomy dressing while tube feeding a patient with a chest tube who’s IV infiltrates who is also a child...so you need to convert weight to kilograms for her meds while delivering her baby with out an epidural who then hemorrhages postpartum  ... all while simultaneously taking care of an alcoholic schizophrenic geriatric patient who’s sun-downing with a combative family member bedside. 

I mean could you even imagine? Of course not. So stay calm and know that when the time comes you will absolutely be able to handle what is thrown at you. 

Getting through nursing school is the hard part! Having to retain all that knowledge for exams, clinicals and boards is exhausting. I remember putting myself into a cold sweat…pitting out the regretful heather grey shirt choice I chose when I was tested on 2nd grade math calculations... I’m sorry what did you say???? WITH NO CALCULATOR? Immediate sweat fest. But did I get through it? Of course. Have I used most of those calculations? No. Do I thank the big man (Steve Jobs for installing calculators on iPhones... yes). You get through all of it because that is the only option. And you will get through it. 

Actual nursing is the fun part. You’re focused. You’re not trying to remember every type of nursing skill possible for every kind of patient. School has helped you build a foundation to be successful in any field you choose. School exposes you to different types of nursing to see where you will fit best. That’s why everything but the kitchen sink gets tossed your way. Nursing itself is what adds value to your life, helps you feel great about helping others, being proud of your career all while building a wonderfully fun and exciting life for yourself that you love. 

It’s ok to be scared. We all are. 

How great is it going to be when you take your last exam, eat the donuts you brought for your nurses at your last clinical (even though I said we eat more than just donuts lol) and pass your NCLEX. Picture how good it will feel when you get that interview and then get your first job. Envision it. Plan the dinner you’ll have to celebrate, and who your first phone call will be to share the great news. These visions should be what you’re thinking about every morning when you wake up and every night before you go to sleep. 

 xx,

Jessie

P.s. 

P.s. Want more tips like this? Join the JOD SQUAD for Nurses and Nursing Students- membership doors are OPEN! Click here to join!

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