should i even bother with nursing

im an rn-bsn student and havent really worked. today i was doing a clinical rotation. I walked into a patients room, and i guess one could tell right away i was a 'new nurse' by the manner I carried myself... good thing, my preceptor finally came in....so, i got a comment from a family visitor "how many patients have you killed?" He said in a joking tone, but im sure his wariness of me was clearly conveyed. I felt really offended, and it caused me to look down on myself as well. This really shattered my confidence and made me brood what i am doing in nursing anyway.

i dont have the 'gift' for nursing, and i admit that while i am book smart, i am not the best 'hands on'...i am the type who needs to practice a lot...its just a shattering comment. i already am unsure about my nursing future, then i get this comment.. im wondering if this is a sign i should try something away from the bedside.
No one can answer your question for you, but I do have to ask you "how can one joking comment--and one that is obviously recognized a joke--be shattering to you?" Followed up with "why on earth would you take an offhand comment/joke as a sign you aren't meant for nursing?" Perhaps you are looking for a reason to get out, and this looked like a good one?You will need to have a much thicker skin that this if you are to work in nursing, to be sure.

On my first day in ICU my multiple-gunshot wound patient with a bad attitude told me I would never last as a nurse. Uh-huh. Here I am 14 years later; I wonder what became of that guy?Do you believe confidence is something that you are passively given or something you will have to earn?Doubting your abilities is normal for a new nurse sometimes, and facing your fears, overcoming them and becoming strong take time and experience. Book smart is a good start. If you are not the best "hands on", then work on those skills.Don't be too quick to give up.

Clinicals are difficult! If a patient or family member wasn't comfortable with you as a student, they could have refused to have a student nurse period. You stated you haven't really worked and yet you beat yourself up and say you don't have the gift for nursing. So you need to practice a lot, who cares? Your instructor can certainly tell the students with cna experience apart from those who have no hands on. Touching a complete stranger in not easy at first. Give it a chance and embrace having to practice a lot. Get in there and practice assessments, bathing, lotioning, etc. Before you know it, you'll be much more comfortable. Hit the nursing lab and practice practice practice.It really shouldn't have been a shattering comment. Students hear it all the time. Get comfortable with it and shoot back! Many pts and families love having newbies around. Believe it when I say that the pt okay'd having a student.

Quote from lookforwardim an rn-bsn student and havent really worked. today i was doing a clinical rotation. i walked into a patients room, and i guess one could tell right away i was a 'new nurse' by the manner i carried myself... good thing, my preceptor finally came in....so, i got a comment from a family visitor "how many patients have you killed?" he said in a joking tone, but im sure his wariness of me was clearly conveyed. i felt really offended, and it caused me to look down on myself as well. this really shattered my confidence and made me brood what i am doing in nursing anyway.i dont have the 'gift' for nursing, and i admit that while i am book smart, i am not the best 'hands on'...i am the type who needs to practice a lot...its just a shattering comment. i already am unsure about my nursing future, then i get this comment.. im wondering if this is a sign i should try something away from the bedside.

"How many patients have you killed?""Just the onery ones that ask snarky questions."Two can play that game.

Quote from mofomeat"How many patients have you killed?""Just the onery ones that ask snarky questions."Two can play that game.

certainly, a smart young lady like yourself shouldn't have any doubts about her career choices just because some ignorant pt. made a dumb remark. having said that, when someone makes a hurtful remark about you this person is trying to bring themselves up by putting you down, criticism manifest itself in many shapes & forms. therefore, people like this pt. of yours truly exhibit their own insecurities by searching in others their weakness, in order to make themselves feel grandiose. however, i realize that is hard to do when i ask of you not to take it personal, but trust me ignorance it's bliss. in addition, consider the source let his/her comment slide down your back, if you don't you will give them the upper hand and they will continue till they make you doubt yourself that's their purpose. furthermore, quickly change the subject like you didn't hear their comment, don't give them the satisfaction of a response and move on. undoubtedly, the thick skin that we nurses acquire comes with time and experience which i have no doubt that you will conquer as long as you believe in yourself. wishing you the very best always in all of your future endeavors....aloha pumehana~ (good-bye with warm regards)

thanks for the responses. Im sensitive and tend to internalize everything around me. Sometimes, I lose this awareness. Thank you. I learned from this experience.

Quote from LookForwardthanks for the responses. Im sensitive and tend to internalize everything around me. Sometimes, I lose this awareness. Thank you. I learned from this experience.

Quote from lookforwardim an rn-bsn student and havent really worked. today i was doing a clinical rotation. i walked into a patients room, and i guess one could tell right away i was a 'new nurse' by the manner i carried myself... good thing, my preceptor finally came in....so, i got a comment from a family visitor "how many patients have you killed?" he said in a joking tone, but im sure his wariness of me was clearly conveyed. i felt really offended, and it caused me to look down on myself as well. this really shattered my confidence and made me brood what i am doing in nursing anyway.[font=book antiqua]i dont have the 'gift' for nursing, and i admit that while i am book smart, i am not the best 'hands on'...i am the type who needs to practice a lot...its just a shattering comment. i already am unsure about my nursing future, then i get this comment.. im wondering if this is a sign i should try something away from the bedside.

Being new to nursing and interactions as a nurse can leave a person on edge and lose any wit they might have once had. Being nervous and learning new abilities can be a trying time, often leaves one vulnerable in other areas they once felt confident in. Try to find a connection to each patient with some conversation... it can help lessen the tension and allow you a bit of a breather and a chance to relax when you need a minute to prepare for tasks.

You def need thicker skin for this career. U can do everything right and still get a comment like that. Sometimes you just can't please everyone. As for your skills, your still in school utilize the skills lab while you still can, also get a book on how to do procedures and skills. That might help. Good luck and stop beating yourself up.