So, you're still nervous?

Feeling nervous, especially as a newcomer, is entirely normal. However, my advice is to refrain from showing your nerves to others. Despite appearing competent and confident, everyone present has experienced similar feelings during their early stages. Those who claim otherwise might be overconfident, or possibly dishonest about their own experiences.

This is precisely what we've trained for, what we've dedicated years to studying. Trust in your experiences, rely on the knowledge you've diligently acquired, and stay steady. You've got this!

Here are some common events that may cause nerves:

• Putting the Etab on upside down. I'm nearing my 30th year in this field, yet there are moments when I still catch myself setting it up incorrectly. When someone points it out, I calmly acknowledge the error and correct it. Remember, mishaps occur. Don't allow such occurrences to deter you.
• Forgetting to plug in the AMBU bag. Or forgetting to turn the flow on. Look, every respiratory therapist will do this at least once. Come up with a system where you check this every time. 
• The vent isn't working right. Okay, so what's wrong with the vent. Go back to the tubing and make sure everything is plugged in right. Is the chest moving? Is the sat good? If those are all good, then maybe the vent is working fine and something else is going on? If not, then calmly take the patient off the vent, have someone bag, and fix the ventilator. If your upline provides you with good equipment, you shouldn't have to worry about this issue. But, sometimes you're going to get a machine that doesn't cooperate. Stay calm. Figure it out. And, if necessary, switch machines. 
• You are called to OB for a newborn baby. And you haven't had one yet. Or it's been over a year. Just remember that every nurse in the room is WAY more nervous than you are. Stay calm and let your training set into action. Have a cheat sheet. Follow your cheat sheet. And stay calm. Or, at the very least, don't let anyone know you are nervous. 

Study diligently during your education. Once you're on the job, consider keeping a cheat sheet handy for tasks you're uncertain about, like setting up a neonatal ventilator or selecting the appropriate ETT for an infant. The better prepared you are, the less stress will impede your progress.