Dropping out of Nursing School.

[Stephalump]

I'm so sad. So very sad.

I've been diagnosed with Addison's Disease and I'm starting to doubt my ability to finish my nursing program. I'm tired. I'm anxious. I'm weak. I'm nauseous. I'm running on 4 hours of sleep a night, thanks to insomnia. And I'm seriously dreading 12 hours of clinicals. I also have this crazy startle reflex right now every time something minor happens - it's like an electrical volt running through my body, and I then I get weak and dizzy...and blah.

I've only been back at it for a week and I feel like road kill! I'm on edge and panicky and definitely not the most pleasant person to be around, and I'm not entirely sure I can last. Then when I'm done, I know I can't work nights, and I'm unsure that I can even pull off 12 hour shifts, judging by my reaction to one 12 hour clinical a week.

I feel like dropping out right now is a bit premature (I'm nowhere near failing) but at the same time, I don't know if I can run my body down the same way I did last year. I don't know if it's worth it. I haven't even brought it up to my instructors - don't know why, except I don't really know what I'm asking for.

I just hate the idea of all the work and struggle being for squat. And I feel like my body has completely betrayed me.

And I guess I just needed to vent.

Life can be really unfair sometimes!!!

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Oh, our Stephalump, please don't think it's all over for you. If JFK can be President of the US with Addison's (true), you should be able to master nursing school. :)

Get physiologically settled, then (and only then) we will crack that whip-- back to work, you slacker! {{steph}}

[SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP]

Steph, first of all, I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through. I certainly hope your doctor can get your thyroid functioning at the appropriate level to alleviate some of your Addison's symptoms.

I know you may be unsure of whether you should talk to the program director or your instructors. However, I think it would be best to be proactive in this situation. Let them know that you've just been diagnosed with this and you're experiencing a tough time adjusting to living with the effects of this disease. As nurses, your instructors will understand what you're dealing with and they may be able to provide you with some alternative support that you may not know was even available.

Our program director said on the first day of nursing school not to wait before a problem becomes a crisis. See what can be done to help accommodate your issues. By talking now before things get worse, they might be able to help alleviate some of the stress you may have about the rest of the program. Have a frank & honest discussion about whether this is the appropriate time in your life to continue in the program. They can help you determine if you can make it through or possibly take time out and re-enter the program next semester, etc. That is definitely a decision you should make together.

All my best to you, Steph! I know how hard you worked to get in the program. I sure hope you're feeling better soon. Take care & hang in there!! ((((((Hugs)))))) --Kris

[Stephalump]

Thank y'all so much. I love this place...so many amazing role models and such a good support system.

So, per GreenTea's suggestion...back to work I go!