Why do nerves always let me down?

Question

I consider myself very lucky that four universities have offered me interviews to study nursing. However I attended one today and know that I probably won't get accepted due to the fact that I was just so terribly nervous (again). I am sick of the same old scenario and can't seem to control my butterflies or anything else. I have ruined so many opportunities in the past, because of this problem and wonder what the hell I can do to combat it (so i don't destroy the other three interviews coming up). I feel like such an idiot and looking back know that I could and should do better. Anybody got any suggestions? 
PS I wonder if being bullied severely as a child and suffering from endometriosis which has taken its toll as I was admitted to hospital with it (again) recently. But surely there must be something I can take (not drugs) to calm me down and get me through these processes!!!!!

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

First of all, congratulations on getting four interviews. That's a brilliant achievement.
It does sound like your nerves are really concerning you.

One option you might want to consider before your upcoming interviews is doing a few practice interviews to get you used to the process. This might make it seem less daunting on the day. You could ask a family member or perhaps you might know someone who is already doing a nursing course that could help. It might also be worth talking to your local Careers Wales or Connexions office, as they sometimes offer practice interviews.

Some techniques you might want to consider for the day include:
*Making sure you have done as much research and preparation as you can. It might be worth considering giving the university a ring to check out whether there is anything specific you need to prepare for the day.
*On the night before get your outfit ready and try to get enough sleep. You might want to think about having a warm bath or listening to some relaxing music to calm down.
*Leave yourself plenty of time in the morning to get ready and to get to the university in plenty of time.
*You might want to think about taking a bottle of water into the interview. Taking a few sips can give you a moment to calm down and some thinking space.

Remember to smile and to breathe. The interviewers will expect you to be a bit nervous and it is in their best interest that you do as well as you can do.

The Prospects website has some interview techniques that might be useful. They are meant for job interviews, but they might be worth having a look at:
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/interview_preparation.htm

If you are really concerned about how your nerves are affecting your chances, it might be worth chatting to your GP to see if they have any suggestions.

If you live in Wales, you might also want to get in touch with Meic, the information and support helpline for young people which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
Telephone: 080880 23456
Text: 84001
IM: www.meiccymru.org

I hope the remaining interviews go well for you.

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Why do nerves always let me down?

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