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

[Trilldayz,RN BSN]

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. 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??

[Moogie]

Chocolate!!!!!

I need chocolate!!!!!

[on eagles wings, ASN, RN]

Chocolate!!!!!

I need chocolate!!!!!

:heartbeat i loveee the little fun size hersheys or snickers when i am studying... stuff 'em in my pocket and go!

[ParkerBC,MSN,RN, PhD, RN]

I did not use anything to get through nursing school. Maybe that is why I am seeing my therapist four times a week now.

My advice:

1. Smoke at least two packs of Cigs a day

2. Drink a case of Red Bull every other day

3. Get an Rx for Xanax

4. Drink a bottle of wine after a long day

5. Don’t forget about the pot and a half of Starbucks coffee in the morning.

Just kidding…I love this thread!

[Diddledi]

It is amazing to see how we use our legal addictive substances to get through the program. I have done the caffeine thing as well but now find regular study w/o so much cramming is best. One of my fellow students was pretty into exercise and never did need any pick me ups because his energy stayed strong and he never gained weight during school.

Maybe it is time I find time/make time for a Zumba class and get some walking in while listening to a lecture...trying to find healthy choices or it will be harder to respect my words if I am overweight and stressed talking to a patient about how to live in a healthful manner. I'm just saying...I have to decide I am worth it and make the time.

Best of luck to all of us working through a RN program...it is so worth it!

[pitaya]

Red Bull is a necessity for days when I have to wake up at 4 am for clinicals (such as tomorrow) or when I need to study late at night! I hate the taste of coffee and soda, but Red Bull really does give me wings. hehehe

[iPink, BSN, RN]

I took my last finals on Wednesday. I stayed awake for 21 hours straight studying Foundations and Health Assessment. I finally went to bed for 4 hours and was up and refreshed to take the exams. No caffeine, soda, tea or other pharm needed. It is possible!

[Moogie]

I'm going hardcore chocolate right now. Chocolate chips straight out of the bag.

[VioletKaliLPN, LPN]

^^ Yummy. Are they bittersweet? Those are my personal fav!

[cmw6v8]

I drink coffee, but I did that way before nursing school. But I love it for its taste and its effect. I also love Diet Coke. I hate energy drinks. When I need a boost of energy if I'm feeling fatigued I will make a fruit smoothie with soy milk and yogurt. It helps a ton!

[ohcomeon]

Oh good grief. Who really cares who is drinking what to get through school?? Do we get special honors for graduating stimulant free? I love to drink coffee. I usually have one cup a day. But you know what...I have gotten all As and two Bs ( which were only points from an A). And I would have gotten them with or without that one cup of coffee a day. I'm a good student and always have been. And honestly come talk to me when you are my age with a bunch of little kids. When half the time the only time you can study is later at night after the kids have gone to bed and you've gotten lunches and backpacks ready for four people and clothes laid out, laundry finished, dishes and the house picked up. The ten plus years from being in your early 20s to your mid 30s is a whole different ballgame. Good luck to you at school.

[clucito01]

I feel compelled to say that many people do rely on chemicals to help get them through the day because they are addicted! I personally was relying on several cups of coffee when I first started but have been able to cut down to one caffeinated drink a day while in classes and then the days I am at home I only drink water or non-caffeinated beverages! Kudos to you for not relying on caffeine! But I also feel compelled to say that I am on Adderall for ADHD and know that if it wasn't for this medicine I would not be passing any of my classes right now! Some people do rely on this not just for help with focusing but also yes to help get them through the day. I know that last semester before I was put on Adderall I felt like every single day was a haze!

[Trilldayz,RN BSN]

Oh good grief. Who really cares who is drinking what to get through school?? Do we get special honors for graduating stimulant free? I love to drink coffee. I usually have one cup a day. But you know what...I have gotten all As and two Bs ( which were only points from an A). And I would have gotten them with or without that one cup of coffee a day. I'm a good student and always have been. And honestly come talk to me when you are my age with a bunch of little kids. When half the time the only time you can study is later at night after the kids have gone to bed and you've gotten lunches and backpacks ready for four people and clothes laid out, laundry finished, dishes and the house picked up. The ten plus years from being in your early 20s to your mid 30s is a whole different ballgame. Good luck to you at school.

No need to get defensive... this is simply just a thread to ask if there are people who don't use any stimulants, not a 'look at us we are so cool' thread (like I previously wrote). I'm glad that you are doing great with all your responsibilities but keep in mind that just because some people don't have kids or a family to take care of doesn't necessarily mean that their lives aren't hard or stressful... This is supposed to be a fun thread...try to lighten up!!!