Returning to nursing school after very serious car accident

[littlebear23]

Hello all,

I will be returning to nursing school January 15th after I was involved in a very serious accident. I was the pedestrian, and I got hit by a drunk driver. I have been out of college for the past 6 months to recover, and while I'm not fully recovered just yet, I am only going to be part-time. I'm very sad that I won't be graduating with my cohort this year. I'm very grateful that I will have a light nursing load, but I'm worried because due to my brain damage, I won't make it. I'm under the care of many doctors who are positive that if I stay focused and take my time, (as much as I can... this is nursing school afterall) I will survive. My instructors and the DON of my college, have helped me so much during my recovery, and are very happy that I will be returning, but I fear I will let not only them, but myself down. I want to graduate with my RN so badly, and all I want is to be a nurse. Any tips, or words of encouragement?

[ComeTogether, LPN]

First Of all kudos to you for conquering your dreams in light of what's been happening. I am still pre nursing, so I haven't the foggiest idea ( well, I have an idea) what nursing school is like. I have however worked in healthcare for awhile now. I work acute rehabilitation and see a lot of TBIs and NTBIs among many many other things. The human brain is an amazing thing. My advise is just keep at it, keep your mind working and in time you will be able to maneuver any obstacles presented my your injuries. I have seen amazing things from the people I have cared for and can tell you it is possible !! Best of luck to you.

"No day but today"

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

I see a lot of people with TBI and would encourage you to let yourself take more time than you think you will need. You will probably tire very easily, even with a light course load. You will be frustrated because you may not learn as fast as you did before.

Your physiatrist (rehabilitation physician) can arrange for you to have a neuropsych eval to pinpoint some specific problems you may have, even if you don't notice them now, and help you identify plans for accommodations with school or work as needed.

Most people in TBI will tell you that it can take three years to recover maximally from a significant injury. I know that sounds like a long time, but it will go by anyway. Cut yourself the slack you need, and good luck in school.

[littlebear23]

Thank you :) Good luck to your academics as well! Time will fly and before you know it, you'll be sitting in your first nursing class lecture :)

[littlebear23]

Yes, I have noticed a lot of changes in my cognitive function. It takes me longer to read and process new information. I am also very forgetful if I don't do repetitive techniques. I had a neuropsych eval and didn't do as well as I liked; I scored below average on everything. I think I did 'OK' on the vocabulary part. Also, I'm going to be taking meds for ADHD, anxiety, pain, and sleep. The doc said that the Adderal is going to help with focus and memory as long as I keep to the cognitive retraining therapy. It is so frustrating because it feels physically I am better and can walk around without my cane as much (I had a complete knee replacement, and had very severe vertigo), but on the inside everything is still a work-in-progress. Things are going to be difficult, I know, I just hope and pray that I can get through the rest of nursing school.