Ugh....It feels like I'll never get there!

Nursing Students General Students

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I've just started the nursing program. My long term goal is to be a NP. Though I know that there are a ton of things I need to learn and I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to go in to the nursing field, it feels like such a long stretch I have ahead of me. I think about how long I have until I'm done with school and I get a bit of anxiety about it.

I need some inspiration, guys!

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School and life in general will go much faster than it feels like it will. Everyone says that, I know, I know! but it is so true. Sometimes it is not such a good thing that life can fly by, but in this case take comfort! I'm not sure how old you are, but as I'm approaching my 25th birthday in about two weeks I find myself wondering where the last 5 years went! It is always good to have goals, and being an NP is certainly a great one, but tackle one thing at a time. Do not take on extra baggage that you can't really deal with or change right now. As a nursing student you surely have enough things to worry about the present!

Enjoy the present: your classes, classmates, and the knowledge you are gaining towards your future career. Cross the NP bridge when you get there, trust me it will still be there when you do. Try not to focus on how much you have left, but focus instead on what you have already accomplished, and the great future you have in front of you. If you embrace the overwhelmed, anxiety ridden, stressed out to the max state of mind you will be a lot less likely to get where you want be or you certainly will not enjoy the journey getting there. Whenever you feel overwhelmed or discouraged, just remember each semester is a stepping stone towards a great future!

If nursing is really for you, then you're going into a professional career you love which pays well. What else could a college student ask for? The great thing about being a nursing student is that everyone is going through the same thing! Try to seek comfort with fellow students and remember to have some faith. Believe in yourself, your ability to learn, and potential to be a great nurse! You will get there and you will get there faster than you ever thought possible. Hang in there!

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Specializes in Respiratory.

The best thing that I can suggest to help with anxiety is to learn about relaxation techniques. One of my classmates practices yoga and meditation daily and he has been gracious enough to teach us some techniques and they have really helped.

Be active in your education! Seek out opportunities during your clinical rotations so you can gain more experience. Nurses on the units love students who actively seek out learning opportunities and this can reflect positively on you when it comes time to look for employment.

Nursing school is an adventure, I wish you the best of luck. Above all else, have fun with your experience.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

It might help to focus on one goal at a time. A test, a deadline, a course completed---they add up to the final goal. Meanwhile, do not forget to live.This profession is about caring for PEOPLE. If you are obsessed with the future you are ignoring the now, and will miss lots of opportunities to "assess" people you meet. Good luck!

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I am in my second semester of the program and I feel exactly the way you do. Although I've accomplished so many of my life goals in the past couple of years, I find myself stressing about the future. What can I do now that will help me later? I'm constantly asking myself about 'getting experience now or waiting', should I move back to my hometown or stay in this area after graduation', 'what ELSE could I do to make my resume look better'. There's just so much that I stress myself about regarding the future, that I'm not able to actually live...until I do just that, LIVE. I'm still a work in progress, but I'm learning more about myself and life, in general. (And, if you're curious. I am 23.) I've made great decisions and stupid mistakes, but it's ok because I always pick myself back up and keep it pushing with my head held high! Good luck to you!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Flight.

take it one day at a time. never thought id be where i am today, graduating next month. HOLY SHISH!!!

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Long term I have interest in being an NP too, but take it one step at a time. I know I likely will not take that step myself until my son is an adult, which i have another 8 years, and my goals may take a different path by then. First worry about the class/semester you are on....then graduating...then NCLEX/becoming and RN. Wouldn't focus past there yet. Even there will take time. You just started nursing school....you have yet to go through clinical and find where you really love being. Surprisingly, it might end up being one of the last places you expected.....and maybe once you are working and in a field you love you wont be interested in NP any more, maybe a masters or DNP in some other speciality would be more fitting for what you are interested in at that point. Not saying not to have a larger goal. Just don't focus on it so much.....focus on the little goals it will take to get you there. And how long it takes to get there doesn't matter. The journey to get there does.....that is where you get the knowledge to be a knowledgeable NP if that is where you end up

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Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Flight.
Long term I have interest in being an NP too, but take it one step at a time. I know I likely will not take that step myself until my son is an adult, which i have another 8 years, and my goals may take a different path by then. First worry about the class/semester you are on....then graduating...then NCLEX/becoming and RN. Wouldn't focus past there yet. Even there will take time. You just started nursing school....you have yet to go through clinical and find where you really love being. Surprisingly, it might end up being one of the last places you expected.....and maybe once you are working and in a field you love you wont be interested in NP any more, maybe a masters or DNP in some other speciality would be more fitting for what you are interested in at that point. Not saying not to have a larger goal. Just don't focus on it so much.....focus on the little goals it will take to get you there. And how long it takes to get there doesn't matter. The journey to get there does.....that is where you get the knowledge to be a knowledgeable NP if that is where you end up

exactly. its good to have goals. but dont put the cart before the horse haha.. just get the hell out of school first /pass NCLEX.worry ab. other stuff later :)

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