This week I have lost my motivation.

Nurses LPN/LVN

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At precisely this time last year, after expressing my boredom with teaching, someone suggested I study nursing. I started out with one semester of requirements, loved it, and continued on to be accepted in the LPN program at our local Jr. College. I'm 52, and an Art/ESL teacher at the elementary level, but that was beside the point. Anyway yesterday morning, in Fundamentals class our teacher started a unit about anal tubes, catheters, and fecal impaction, oozing and other pretty stuff. Last week in clinicals I have to admit I was put off by my patient who didn't want to bathe. Hmm, then yesterday afternoon I miserably failed a practical, procedural test for changing a wet to dry wound. I REALLY messed up on that one. Then today I severely messed up on an exam in my Math for Meds class. I have made practically all A's, and high ones at that, up till now. Something about all those d*** GRAIN conversions, like 8 of those, if that wasn't enough, etc. etc. etc., then figuring them in to a ratio to find out how many milligrams to dose, well it was too much, so I just started guessing. Ok. I am beginning to feel like I won't be able to take care of people the way a nurse should, with the orgainzation, concentration & motivation to be THE BEST. But it has been fun, and I have learned so much. I think I feel called back to what I did so naturally, teaching, but at least I have tried to do something different, and it was enjoyable to meet all those new people and bond with the others in lab class. However bonding with fellow students, A's on written exams, do not a good nurse make.

I just feel embarassed in front of all my family and friends to have blabbed so much about nursing!!!!! :imbar And then no one likes to be called a quitter. Still I don't really want to spend any more time doing something which is not to my ability or inclination.

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Specializes in LTC.

Are you thinking of leaving the program? Since you are also a teacher, perhaps you'd be interested in being a nursing instructor. If you are not inclined to nurse then run as fast as you can. Life is too short to spend doing something you're not really wanting to do. Nursing has it rewarding moments but mostly for me its a PIA.

On the other hand, at least you have the knowledge that you have aquired so far and you never know when it just may come in handy.

I admire you for having the courage to return to school for a second career. You also have to do what is right for you. If you decide to stick w/ nursing, remember that tomorrow is another day, a chance to start again fresh.

Best wishes to you on whichever you decide to do.

:rolleyes:

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My best advice is to give it serious thought before you make a decision. I can see how all of those things happening at once might discourage you, but try to decide if that is really the motivation behind you wanting to go back to teaching. I know when I am having a bad spell I feel like chucking it all and leaving nursing, but once I give myself some time I realize that I am where I need to be. On the other hand, if you are feeling a strong pull to go back to teaching, maybe that is your place and you needed time away from it to see what you had. Whatever the answer- give yourself time to think it through. Good luck with whichever way is your path. :)

Limik

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

Sometimes we have to give something a try before we decide it's not for us. At least you can say you've tried. Many of us don't know the true nature of nursing until we get into school. There's no shame in "quitting". But also don't let a bad week discourage you either. There are going to be peaks and valleys along the way.

Whatever you decide best wishes and be happy! :)

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Thanks for your kind words, everyone. They helped me from feeling guilty. I'll work on completing this semester at least, so I won't have a nasty looking transcript, and review this decision. It is all very difficult and I admire nurses more than ever now.

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Thanks for your kind words, everyone. They helped me from feeling guilty. I'll work on completing this semester at least, so I won't have a nasty looking transcript, and review this decision. It is all very difficult and I admire nurses more than ever now.

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Blondiii!

I read your post and wanted to give you a big hug! If you're in the state of questioning, I can understand but if you really want it-get some help because YOU CAN DO IT! I'm sure you're a fantastic teacher and you'll be a fabulous nurse. We all have bad breaks. If you're going to stick it out for the semester, you may to ask for some help so you can finish it on the up side!!

I'm sending you positive vibes and big hugs!

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Blondiii!

I read your post and wanted to give you a big hug! If you're in the state of questioning, I can understand but if you really want it-get some help because YOU CAN DO IT! I'm sure you're a fantastic teacher and you'll be a fabulous nurse. We all have bad breaks. If you're going to stick it out for the semester, you may to ask for some help so you can finish it on the up side!!

I'm sending you positive vibes and big hugs!

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Wow. Thank you, Maggie. Today was a lot better. I found out someone else messed up on all those grain questions too, so at least I wasn't alone. I HATE the grain, by the way. Also there were a couple of videos shown in class today about inserting catheters. It wasn't so horrible. Math and developing the motor skills. Those are my problems. Does anyone know where I could order some videos of some of the nursing procedures? Watching it again and again would help, especially with the motions of keeping a sterile field. And math problems. I will live and eat math the next few weeks. And the old thing, nothing I can do about that, but I swear some of those twenty something's drag around like they're older than I am. I will try to stick it out.

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Wow. Thank you, Maggie. Today was a lot better. I found out someone else messed up on all those grain questions too, so at least I wasn't alone. I HATE the grain, by the way. Also there were a couple of videos shown in class today about inserting catheters. It wasn't so horrible. Math and developing the motor skills. Those are my problems. Does anyone know where I could order some videos of some of the nursing procedures? Watching it again and again would help, especially with the motions of keeping a sterile field. And math problems. I will live and eat math the next few weeks. And the old thing, nothing I can do about that, but I swear some of those twenty something's drag around like they're older than I am. I will try to stick it out.

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In nursing, as in all else we do, you will find areas of strength and weakness. Practice and study is always the key. The school library should have videos and extra information for you, good luck, and congratulations on trying something new!

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In nursing, as in all else we do, you will find areas of strength and weakness. Practice and study is always the key. The school library should have videos and extra information for you, good luck, and congratulations on trying something new!

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