Nursing skills terror

Okay, so I studied my butt off all weekend and walked into class today feeling pretty good.  They broke us down in groups of two to do our Return Demonstrations on Temperature, Pulse and Respirations.  It's always a little disconcerting knowing someone is hanging on your every word to see if you are going to miss a critical element that will derail your progress through the program, but I felt pretty good.....UNTIL....I was put into a group with a girl who was not prepared.  She was nervous and I could find her pulse, but I couldn't keep it long enough to know for sure I could count it for a full 30 seconds.  I had two other girls listen too, and they both said while it had a regular rhythm, it was faint.  Well my little negative devil (sits on my left shoulder) kept telling me, "You are not going to be able to do this."  The angel on my right tried to keep me calm, but that little bastard on the left screamed so loud at me I paid him too much attention.  Next thing I know, my pulse is racing, I'm sweaty, my BP was up and with an hour til test time I had really revved myself up.  I went in to do the return Demo and passed it, but with one minor flaw.  Thank God the teachers gave me grace on this one, but I have got to learn some calming techniques so this does not happen again.  Next week is Apical Pulse and Blood pressure.  I think I can find both, but I just need to learn the steps.  Dumb ass me left my skills book in the classroom, so I hope it's there tomorrow.  Good God, what's next?  (probably shouldn't say that out loud)
Now on a positive note.  I feel like I am bonding overall with some of my classmates.  Not yet in "Best Friend" mode, but I feel a mutual respect building and I can tell I'm really going to need the support.
I'm looking forward to class tomorrow, to my volunteer night in the ER.  I've been away for the last two weeks and I've missed doing my thing.  I'm hoping maybe they will let me take some temps, do some BP's etc so that I can get some practice.  I'm hoping as well that I don't have to deal with the one nurse guaranteed to make me crazy.  Dear Lord, if you love me at all, please give me a good day and help the phone to ring with some business before we go broke.  Love you, Darlene....

Until the next entry, may I stay sane!