No motivation. Gas tank on E

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I am in the final stretch of my NP program. I graduate in August. However, I am stuck in a rut- well it feels like it anyways. I have NO motivation to do anything. None. I am doing well in school and have a 4.0 gpa. So it is not like this is affecting my school work, but I am starting to wonder if something is wrong with me- so I am asking you guys, other students, if you feel the same way...

I am not sure if i am burned out, depressed, or if I need my TSH checked LOL. I work two 12 hour night shifts week in an ICU for income (weekend package). I typically do 2 or 3 8 hr shifts of clinical for school (day shift). The homework load is annoying- but not extensively hard. I actually cant even call it hard, its just time consuming and annoying. I am married with no kids. So this should be easy, right? Well its not. I am exhausted all the time. I cannot stay focused to do my work. I procrastinate a lot. When I set aside time for studying, I stare ahead and find something else to do, but I can only do that for so many days until I am under pressure to get stuff done. I always get it done and usually do very well on assignments and tests. I just feel guilty that I plan for myself to get ahead.. yet I never do. I just feel so consumed by school, or thoughts of constantly having things due, that it is wearing my down. So I am not really sure that it is true depression.. or if it is just a situational thing. All I can find myself thinking about it summer and the plans I have for around the house. I spend too much of my free time on Pinterest day dreaming about projects I am going to be doing this spring/summer. I don't feel sad really, I just feel like I don't want to worry about school anymore. And that I would like to take a very long nap. Even if I sleep 11 hours. I keep telling my preceptor that sleeping is my favorite hobby LOL

Anyone else out there in the same boat? I just keep trying to chug along. only 4.5 more months. and then i get my life back :up:

tiny_nurse

118 Posts

You say it should be easy, but it's NOT! If it was, everyone would do it.

You're entitled to be burnt out, that much school will do that. And I totally understand ruts. You can do this, just get over that last little bump. What you're doing is not simple.

Try separating it month to month, rather than 4.5 months! You can do this! You ARE doing it!

amoLucia

7,736 Posts

Specializes in retired LTC.

I think I'm going to over-rule your rule-out hypothyroid dx. (I mean this NICELY!)

I do think there may be some bit of depression, situational anxiety or separation anxiety present. And remember, denial is an early stage of grief & grieving. School is wrapping up and the intimidating job search lies ahead (unless you've been lucky here already).

Accountability/expectations are changing now to different purposeful activities and financial obligations. That's a plateful of angst.

Just to be realistic, maybe you do need to check that TSH or Vit D level. Or plan for some positive & pleasurable R&R activities to recharge your batteries.

Good luck to (you).

gelli.25

181 Posts

Specializes in OR Nursing, Critical Care, Med-surg.

I'm in my 2nd semester of NP school and I feel the same way at times. Not depressed at all, more of a procrastinator than anything. I think I am just easily distracted. I cannot blame it on work, because I only work 2-3 days a week with call. I am enjoying my program and am learning tons but I think "I feel" I have so much free time, I put things off until later - and end up waiting until the last minute(freaking out). I also try to find distractions as well, to avoid my schoolwork. Like you stated, it isn't affecting my grades at all; I have a 4.0. I love that I am taking this route to advance my education; however, my motivation isn't at the peak it should be.

If you think it's your health, definitely get it checked. Me, on the other hand, I'm not too worried about myself. Typically, at the beginning of the semester, I have high levels of motivation - then it slowly begins to trickle down. It happens.

Good luck with your studies; you'll definitely make it through.

Specializes in NICU.

Although I'm only graduating from nursing school, I have to say I feel the exact same way. I'm not married but I've been working 36hrs per week for the last two years while attending a full time program. I know a lot of my stress/lack of motivation comes from working but I'm working to pay for my undergrad out of pocket so I won't have debt after graduation. Just like you I try to make plans to get ahead with my work and when it comes down to it, I also find other things to do to avoid the work.

I second what amoLucia suggested...I absolutely am in need of some R&R for a short time after graduation before beginning to study for boards. Keep on trucking! Before we know it we won't have the stress of school in our lives!

mstxrn22

10 Posts

I'm graduating in August, too and I feel the exact same way. Like someone else posted, I do think it's also some kind of anticipatory grief process contributing to it for me, at least. This has been my way of life for over 2 years. I'm worried about the future, practicing as a novice again, not being sure of what I want to do, and of course so worried about the boards. You aren't alone. My closest friends in my program feel the same way, too. Hang in there...we can do it!

Specializes in NICU, telemetry.

You definitely aren't alone. I have one more semester after I finish this one, and I feel the same way! It seems like most of my classmates do, as well. I do 3 12s a week(nights) for work and 20 hours of days for clinical. The rotating back and forth alone is enough to make you feel like a zombie!

BizzyBeeNursing

2 Articles; 58 Posts

I think this is a "natural" way to feel in nursing school. Like TinyNurse2Be stated if it were easy then anyone would do it! I'm currently in FNP school and I am physically, mentally and emotionally tired most of the and just like you I often find myself looking for anything to occupy my time so that I get a little bit of respite from thinking about the growing mountain of work waiting for me. Whats helps me is venting to my family and friends, taking things one week at a time, and finding a few minutes to regroup, such as taking a walk, watching an episode of a show that I like on netflix, listening to music while driving to clinicals, taking a nap etc. I often tell myself there isn't enough time but truthfully anyone can find 15-30 minutes a day to help to preserve their sanity, haha. While taking care of everything and everyone else, don't forget yourself in the shuffle. Additionally, give yourself a break! Your working hard and doing the best that you can! Take solace in knowing that NP school is for a finite amount of time. It sounds crazy but there is light at the end of this seemingly unending grad school tunnel. You got this!

espress099

78 Posts

I feel the exact same way. I'm one month from graduating from my FNP program and I can't find any motivation whatsoever. I even skipped doing the homework this week because I just couldn't be bothered. It wasn't hard just confusing, annoying and time consuming. I literally calculated how much of my grade it was worth then decided I'd be ok with an overall grade of a B instead of an A, just whatever to pass. I'm tired of the BS assignments that I don't feel are benefiting me but just wasting my time. I think the biggest issue with this is that I can't find the motivation to study for the board exam and I'm starting to get anxiety reading other people's posts about how much they study for them. How in the world will I ever find the ability to put that effort in when i feel like this??

Anyway, I don't know what I'm getting at, I just wanted to say you're not alone in feeling this way.

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