I’m Scared I’ll Hurt Someone

Dear Nurse J,

The closer I get to graduating, the more terrified I become about making a serious mistake as a nurse.

— TS

Nurse J says…

Good.

Not because anxiety is fun — but because overconfidence is far more dangerous in healthcare than humility.

Safe nurses:

• double check

• ask questions

• stay cautious

• know their limits

The dangerous people are often the ones who think, “I’ve got this. I don’t need help.”

Fear becomes a problem only when it stops you functioning entirely.

Respect the responsibility of nursing — but don’t convince yourself that competent nurses never feel nervous.

They absolutely do.

— Nurse J