Tired, but more school or no?

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Jul 3, 2007

How old are you? How long have you been slogging away? Do you work and go to school? Most importantly, will you go back if you take a break? If the answer is "yes," then by all means relax for a bit.

Oh, and congratulations.

:)

neneRN, BSN, RN · Jul 3, 2007

I think its best to give yourself 6 months to a year to focus on learning to how to be a nurse in the real world and becoming confident in your nursing abilities. This first year will be stressful enough without adding school to the mix. That said, don't put it off for longer than a year though...the longer you wait, the harder it is to go back. I kept telling myself I would go back, and now, six years later I'm finally back in school and I could kick myself thinking that I could have my masters by now had I gone back sooner.

subee, MSN, CRNA · Jul 3, 2007

Okay so my next question is right now I am tired and burned out on school, I just graduated and am studying to take my Boards, should I get enrolled and start working towards my BSN, or take a break? My thoughts are to hurry and get it done, but on the other hand I feel a little burnt out from school, work, and life, so what do you think?

I had BA when I went for BSN (it took three years part-time to finish). I say keep plodding along BUT take one of the fun courses, something lighter. My BSN required 6 credits in philosophy which I had never taken before. - and I knew I would never take again, but it got me to bend my mind and it wasn't nursing!

milkshake1 · Jul 3, 2007

Okay so my next question is right now I am tired and burned out on school, I just graduated and am studying to take my Boards, should I get enrolled and start working towards my BSN, or take a break? My thoughts are to hurry and get it done, but on the other hand I feel a little burnt out from school, work, and life, so what do you think?

I completely understand how you feel. I have been a nurse for two years. I finished my ADN in May of 2005, worked for 6 months and then started back toward my BSN. I am graduating in about 3 weeks with my BSN. I am so proud of myself, but it has been challenging. I have two small children, work full time and go to school. I knew if I got away from school for too long, it would be hard to go back. Think about taking at least six months to get settled in your new role, then look into starting your BSN. You will be amazed at how much you learn in six months of floor work. Good luck! Amy;)

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 3, 2007

I think its best to give yourself 6 months to a year to focus on learning to how to be a nurse in the real world and becoming confident in your nursing abilities. This first year will be stressful enough without adding school to the mix. That said, don't put it off for longer than a year though...the longer you wait, the harder it is to go back. I kept telling myself I would go back, and now, six years later I'm finally back in school and I could kick myself thinking that I could have my masters by now had I gone back sooner.

I strongly agree with neneRN. As a staff educator, I have coordinated the orientations for many new RN's. While some people do just fine when they go back to school without a break, I believe the ones who spend a year or two focusing on their transition from student to staff nurse have a better chance of success.

Take a little break and use it to get your feet on the ground as a practicing nurse.