Anyone made it through Nsg school WITHOUT caffeine , Adderall, or Red Bull??

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just curious... i think i am one of the few (if not the only) student in my class who isn't dependent on getting their "necessary" coffee to be awake or to help jump start their morning, whether it be class or clinicals. well, i guess since i don't like coffee, that kind of makes a difference too. :rolleyes: and i know many people who rely on pills, coke, red bulls and other "uppers" to keep them focused when it comes to those late study nights... is there anyone like me out there who doesn't use all those chemicals to keep them going and are still doing really well??

You should probably fork it over then :)

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Specializes in Trauma SICU.

I think my blood at this point is erythrocytes and the buffy coat gang suspended in coffee. I love everything about it. I love the taste, the ritual of it, and the warmth. It makes me happy.

However I stay away from red bull and only use it if I'm going to be going for more than 18 hours. I used to drink the crap like water and it actually gave me an irregular heart beat.

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Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.

I blame my mtn dew chugging in my early days for my caffeine tolerance. Im Like Vida though, If I have a pop one day, and not the next, I get a terrible headache. I figure that I can drink my soda now ( Sonic Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper ftmfw ) I just have to cut out sugar and sweets somewhere else.

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

I never used any of this stuff, but for one semester after I got a C on a test I freaked out and started studying late until like 10 an then setting my alarm for like 2-3 am and studying more. I did end up with a B in the class, but the next semesters I just made sure I got a lot of sleep the night before a test and found I did much better.

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In the beginning I would have a crystal light with energy mixed with a 20 oz bottle of water to get me through my clinicals, but never used it during the week for studying or anything. About half way through nursing school I gave up that drink and no longer need anything to keep me awake at clinicals. I like coffee but do not normally drink it because the caffeine really gets to me. I stick to my non-caffinate tea.

Good for you for not needing anything, but I don't feel that it's abnormal to use coffee or soda to wake up in the morning. Every person has their own needs. Pills are a different matter however, I don't think that is a good idea!

I read this as "crystal meth" the first time LOL. Guess I need more sleep.

I've been able to pull all-nighters and last 4 years of bachelor's level classes without anything, but this semester I rely heavily on coffee to keep me awake during my morning class:yawn:

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Specializes in Psych.

I dont drink any more caffeinated beverages now than I did before nursing school. There were a few times where I worked the night shift and then went to class that I used coffee to help me stay awake, but caffeine really doesnt keep me awake.

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Specializes in MICU - CCRN, IR, Vascular Surgery.

I've never had Red Bull or energy drinks, but I do love my coffee. I don't drink it every day, but sometimes it's nice even just for the warmth :) I do work night shift, so sometimes coffee's definitely necessary at 3am when I'm dragging and still have 4 hours to go!

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Hi! I'm not in nursing school yet. I start in June. I do take Adderall,however, but it's because I have ADD. It doesn't work as an "upper" or stimulant for me at all. As a matter of fact, it has a very calming affect on me. I could take an Adderall and then go take a nap, but that's because I have ADD. People who use Adderall as an "upper" to get through nursing school or late night clinicals are obviously not ADD/ADHD and are misusing the medication.

As for the caffeine, I can't even get through my normal life without my java, so I imagine I'll be twice as dependent on it once I start school!:)

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I did take a "Stay awake pill" aka caffeine pill from Walgreens the night I was studying for my pharmacology final but that's because I was extremely sleepy (barely could keep my eyes open). I promised that I would not become dependent on it. Otherwise, I don't drink coffee, redbull, sodas, etc.

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I don't drink caffeine ever. I used to drink Mountain Dew Code Red all the time and found myself with a cyst in my chest. After some internet reading, I saw a link b/t caffeine and cysts, stopped drinking caffeine and it went away within 3 months, I don't remember exactly. I haven't had any caffeine in probably 2 years and wouldn't touch it again for that reason.

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Specializes in SDU, Tele.

Cuban coffee for life. :heartbeat

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Specializes in Psychiatric.

I have made it through. Pinning is in 27 days and graduation in 29 and I have not used coffee, red bull, nothing to make it through my program and I still work my full time job. Although I know people (quite a few in my program) who do there isn't anything wrong with it. Congrats to you and everyone else.

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