Hello there, laurafromminnesota.
The following Knowledge Base article provides some great recommendations for resetting your iPod nano:
How to reset iPod
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1320
Do not reset your iPod if…
If your iPod is connected to a computer and displays any of the following messages, you should eject the iPod from within iTunes instead of resetting it:
- Connected. Eject before disconnecting
- Sync in Progress. Please wait…
- Do not disconnect
Tip: Check out this helpful movie, too.
How to reset an iPod nano (6th generation)
Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button and Volume Down button simultaneously for at least eight seconds or until the Apple logo appears. You may need to repeat this step.
If the above step did not work, try connecting iPod to a power adapter and plug the power adapter into an electrical outlet, or connect iPod to your computer. Make sure the computer is turned on and isn't set to go to sleep. Try resetting the iPod while it is connected to power.
Additionally the following Troubleshooting Assistant offers up the 5 R's for your device:
iPod nano (4th generation) Troubleshooting Assistant
https://www.apple.com/au/support/ipod/five_rs/nano4gen/
Thanks for reaching out to Apple Support Communities.
Cheers,
Pedro.