Does it get better after nursing school?

Nurses Stress 101

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Hey guys,

I am in nursing school now; I have two and a half years left. Lately I have been feeling really stressed. I know I'm not the only one, and that stress and doubts are normal. All the professors say that nursing is a really difficult course, and that nursing is a huge responsibility. Sometimes I feel that there is just too much work, or that I won't be able to do it. I keep thinking that I've made a mistake in my major choice, and I'm jealous of my friends because they don't have to work as hard in their classes.

I really do like nursing, I like helping people feel better, and the hands on parts of it. I did really well in my foundation and assessment classes last semester (I received Bs in both), so I am confident in my skills. I just feel overwhelmed.

I was just wondering if, after I get out of school and into the real world of nursing, will it be better? What did some of you do to keep up your morale?

Thanks in advance.

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Specializes in Infectious Disease, Neuro, Research.

Hi, Buzz.:) The answer is: "maybe." I had 20 years as an EMT/AUA/Phleb before I graduated, and I was promoted from "Research Asst/Coordinator" to "Research RN", after boards- which is hardly floor nursing. ("I don't touch no pooo-pie, I don't touch no pooo-pie!":D Hate away, ya'll!)

If you like the practical stuff, and are doing well, be sure to concentrate on prioritization and time-management. This was about killing one of my former classmates, when she hired on with a cardio floor.

In research (and the responsibilities are pretty much the same as "regular" nursing, just more paperwork) we expect familiarity with process within around 12 months. If you can make coffee, and know whom to call with questions, and aren't losing paperwork, in the first 6 months, you're doing well.;) 2 years with us is the standard for "competency".

Generally, wearing your own Big Nurse Britches, you'll be doing what you do in clinicals, but trying to do it on more patients, and within your shift, and that takes some getting used to. Most of us worked as retail sales, fast-food, or something similar as a first job. Just remember those first few weeks on the register or flipping burgers, when you were sure you were going to die, be fired, or set the place on fire. Its the same.:lol2: Anytime there is a big life transition, its scarey. It gets better, but it takes some time.

Stay with it & good luck!!

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Specializes in psychiatry, community health, wellness.

wow. what a question. thank you for posting this. i am not sure if you know how much power and how much value is behind that question. and also how many others feel and think the same thoughts as you.

i just joined the allnurses online group and was looking to get on here and meet nurses and talk with nurses as much as i can about health and well-being. i work with nurses who are stressed, overwhelmed, and feeling burned out to create space in their lives for self-care and balance.

all the professors say that nursing is a really difficult course." to comment on your thoughts and feelings; nursing is stressful and it is busy. it is a profession that is always moving, changing, growing and has people needing us. it is on the go and up and down and fast paced.

but amidst all that my only advice to you is take care of you first. you have to practice self-care in your life to be able to care for others. if you are tired, stressed, eating poorly, or not exercising you will get burned out and you will get overwhelmed. but if you make the time to create a healthy lifestyle for yourself and care for your own well-being you will be alright. trust me as i have lived both sides of the coin. i was very unhealthy and thus unhappy in my job. i changed roles and took more time to care for me and now feel healthy, balanced, energized, and alive! and i am much better able to do my job! like the old analogy from our airline friends; you have to put the air mask on yourself before you can help a child on a crashing plane. same holds true, in my opinion, in nursing. you have to take care of you so you can care for your patients, friends, families, neighbors, communities, etc.

and finally, to answer your final question of keeping up morale i think that if you are grounded, centered, and know yourself you can keep a positive light in any challenge. you have to practice such things as gratitude, appreciation, knowing your values, mindfullness, being present, breath work, and finding joy in your own life in order to keep up your own morale. once you are centered and in love with yourself you can find light and happiness in any situation. keep your own energy filled with love and gratitude and it will spill over to any group. keep your own morale up and you will get that back. i believe we get back what we put out. good luck! liz

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Nursing is stressful, but it is a different stress once you are out of school, pass your boards, and get into a job.

The best change is...YOUR WORK STAYS AT WORK! You do not have to bring your patients home with you and continue to care for them :) So, when you are off work you have time to relax and recoop, which was something I found VERY HARD TO COME BY in school. When you weren't at class or clinicals, you were doing some homework or studying your buns off for a test! It was NEVER ENDING! But, with work, it stays at work. You go home, and though you may wonder "oh shoot did I chart that" or "did I give that med correctly" eventually those thoughts die down too!

But, again, there is stress, the hours are long! And the work is hard! But, like anything else you get used to it. Where I got hired, I was on orientation for 10 weeks with a preceptor, and by the end she was practically letting me do EVERYTHING on my own. So you are not thrown into it on your own right away, you are slowly eased into it!

And keep your chin up in school. You are going to have a great job at the end of your road, and yes right now it stinks because your friends don't have to study as much as you, but you have to keep telling yourself IT WILL BE WORTH IT! Trust me, it is. I love nursing, and I was defenitely doubting my choice in major by my 5th semester of nursing school. Just work hard, but try to make time for yourself once in a while, and reward yourself after studying for a long time or finishing up a project. Small rewards will lead up to a VERY BIG ONE at the end of these 2.5 years! Best of luck to you!!

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The stress changes to a new form..but if you are expecting less..then no.

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It gets different. I noticed more a difference after my first year. The days aren't as hectic, you get used to the normal meds for your patients, you get to know the routine, you know OT, PT, Lab, MDs, secretaries, etc. Those things make the days feel less stressful, but then you are more competent at dealing with families, docs, next steps, etc. I've been working for 18 months and did something brand new today. Those things change and in that sense, it does get better; slowly. I am still in school and it's still just as stressful as nursing school except now I have a full-time job and full-time school. Allow yourself time to adjust to your new role before you take on too much. Good luck!

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The best change is...YOUR WORK STAYS AT WORK!

I think this is one of the big things that is bothering me. I can't get away from the work! I'm always studying or doing assignments, and if I'm not I'm thinking that I should be doing something. I'm sure this will get better when I'm more experienced, but right now it sucks! :uhoh3:

I was also afraid for that transition time, like from student to nurse. I don't wanna be eaten! There are a few people in my classes who have started fellow positions at hospitals, and they have all said that the experienced nurses help break them in and everything. It's just something new I guess.

Thanks for the reassurance guys, it's helped me a lot.

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