can I do it?

Nursing Students General Students

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Hey guys, I've been having doubts on and off if this is what I really want to do. I think I finally convinced myself that I do, plus I almost have to to pay back student loans. Now I'm not sure I can. I'm doing ok in class (have an 85 ave.), but failed my first check off yesterday on wound dressing. It really won't affect my grade and I plan on retaking it tommorrow, but if I don't pass it this time, I'll get a orange slip (if you get 2 your out). I guess this is why you're supposed to be ahead for check-offs, but I like to go to the help sessions the same week, plus I have to work at least part-time since I'm not getting all the loan money I was supposed to. Then today, I could'nt even get a glucose check to work (my first one in real life with the instructor watching). I get nervous when somebody watches me and she kept saying how to dispose of the sharps and gloves that I could'nt concentrate on what I was doing. Those little lances are self-contained anyway and there was not that much blood. Plus care plans are due Monday and I still can't figure out how to get the dx and goals and stuff. Anyway should I be concerned that I don't seem to be learning much and can do this or is this normal? Oh and our last 5 check-offs are the hardest ones I heard...

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Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.

There are times I have felt totally overwhelmed and ready to quit...but I just keep coming back for more...a lot of times I just feel like I'm running around putting out fires!!

I just take first things first...it's rather like nursing -- you learn to prioritize....and you have to find the time to study/practice whenever you can....even if it's only 15 minutes here or there....that time might be where you pick up one additional thing that will help you on a test or checkoff....

A lot of the people I have talked to in our program are of the mindset that they're going to have to escort us out of the building before we quit!!

You know if you're giving it your all or not, or whether you truly want to...that's probably your best indicator of how to proceed from here...

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Specializes in LDRP.

Let me suggest that you get a good care plan book--that will help you loads in writing care plans. Also, are you looking for help outside of class and labs? make time to go practice your skills and review them in your textbooks. Practice your skills at home too--be creative and practice, practice, practice! You can do it. GL!

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Yeah, I have good support, my sister and gf are both in my program too, but they are in different clinicals and live in another town. I usually see my gf every other weekend and she's usually ahead of me at school check-offs. I know I don't practice enough. When I'm home I'm either studying for the lecture test, the med-term stuff or getting caught up on house stuff. My only free day is Sunday. I know no excuse, but I'm usually beat by mid-day from not sleeping enough and working. Theres 1 guy from work thats in the RN program and working full-time. I don't know how he's doing it.

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I feel your pain about all of it!! I failed my dressing change check off and was literally sick about it. I did fine on the 2nd try and then CLINCIAL WEEK STARTED!!! My very first experience was the worst bed pan you could ever imagine! The pt was on it for like 90 minutes....and forgotten....then I came in. I am embarrassed and ashamed to say I gagged and heaved and was so afraid I might vomit. The only person to see me like that thankfully was a fellow classmate, but I am still disappointed in myself. I also have too many student loans and would let a lot of people down if I quit, but I just don't know if I can do this now since I couldn't handle a gross bedpan. Good luck on your recheck....wish me luck on my next fecal encounter.....:icon_roll

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

I understand, I had a wet-to-dry dressing today and was EXTREMELY nervous as I had the instructor who failed me on my last demo. I just looked at the old one, did the depth, size, drainage, odor checks, packed loosely, and recovered. she even said "good job"!! WHOA! I just want to pass my injection demos on Monday and I am FINISHED WITH DEMOS!!! WHOO HOO!!! Good luck on your recheck! We don't have a policy about how many times you can do demo, just that you can't do it same day if you fail.

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U can do it.

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