Accelerated BSN student-completely stressed!

Published

Started 2nd semester of accelerated BSN and already feeling stressed, tense, and anxious. 1st semester ok because just theory, etc. Now,I have so many more assignments, reading, practice new skills, prepare pt. profiles for clinicals each day, etc. that I can't keep up. My mind feels like its racing with all the info. I've heard a few stories of people who have a couple of small kids and still make it though. I don't even have kids and I'm struggling. One nurse who graduated from my program said she used to feel nauseous sometime from stress and nerves. Definately don't want to spend the next 3 semesters like that.

Don't know if this is just a phase or not. I'm kind of thinking about dropping out of the program and going in a new direction- maybe education?? I feel guilty since so many others wanted to get into the program & I've spent sooooo much money already. Got into this program because I'm interested in the sciences, like helping people, want to help community and my family w/ their med conditions. I like the class lectures, reading, and talking to the patients. I don't like having to wake up at 4:15 am to get to clinicals or the fear I have of making any mistakes. The other day my pt. had a BM and I started to gag from the smell.

I guess I just don't know if I'm starting to dislike nursing because I'm in the fast-paced accelerated program or if I don't like the career. I'm sorry this is unorganized but I was just hoping for some comments or suggestions which I'd appreciate. Thank you!!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think you better hang in there. Many people would die for that spot. I felt the same way about smells and just got used to it. The sacrifices you are making now to wake up early will pay off in the end.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, CVICU.

Nursing school can be very stressful and sometimes even overwhelming. It helps to remember why you chose this path in the first place. If you feel like your heart is not in it, then maybe this is not the right path for you. That is a choice that only you can make. That being said; Give yourself a little time. The beginning of clinicals is one of the most nerve-wracking parts of nursing school and it is normal to feel nervous and unsure.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, EMS.

I'm in the same boat, 2nd semester of Accelerated BSN, and overwhelmed to tears..hang in there :/

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

Geez, you guys scare me. I'm going to start a 1 year program (4 quarters with 21-23 credits each) in the Spring. I'm terrified the courseload will be too much for me.

I can't give any actual advice, but perhaps you need to step back for a few hours. Go to a coffee shop, order your favorite caffeinated beverage, and just think about why you are interested in nursing (forget about the school). Think about parts that intrigue you, and where you'd like to see yourself in the future. Basically, think about why you applied in the first place. I don't know if that will help, but I do know that some solo time can be great (solo sushi is also fun, sitting at the bar). Just let your mind chill out for a bit, and refocus on you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Me too!

I'm in my last semester of pre-reqs for my ABSN program(12 months). I have pharmo & patho(online) and interpersonal communication this semester. I might start my ABSN program in January or April of 2009. I also work. I have done all my pre-reqs for my ABSN the last year. THAT was stressful...so it's like a constant stress level for me. I also broke up with my boyfriend of 1.5 years a while ago & haven't had the time to move on cuz of classes. I decided to make the choice to stay single until nursing school was over or close to over, cuz he wasn't supportive of my career and I don't want another man like that. So personally I'm stressed too. :crying2:

Sometimes I feel like everything's a mess. Like right now I have the NET in two days, an exam tommorow, pharmo & patho reading piled up, ABSN application calling me:yawn:, & I feel PARALIZED. Usually when I get stressed it shows...my house is a mess and I just worry and don't do anything.

It's nice to vent and know that others are going through the same thing.

I think I'll make a to do list and start giving myself small rewards everyday. I'll also call in to work tommorow...I should relax for the NET. I took the practice math test yesterday and aced it. I hope I do good & it wasn't just an easy test. I rewarded myself like this when I was in college when I felt like this. Take it day by day, cuz one day it just feels better for some reason. :cry:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac Care.

Just remember school is not what nursing as a career will be. You are learning and doing alot of jobs that nurses don't always have time to do and thank goodness for the CNA's and other nursing help do, but you have to know how to do them if you are needed too. We are learning about all areas of nursing and not all areas of nursing are going to fit you, your personality, and aptitude. My hat is off to you for the accelerated program -that really would not be for me, so see we are all different and just as the world of nursing is. Hang in there!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think you should go with what you really want to do. If you really wanted to be a nurse, maybe you could remind yourself why that is what you want to do? Maybe you shouldn't be in an accelerated program. You might prefer a regular-paced program. Make sure you take time for yourself--what do you do to de-stress and get away from it all? Exercise? Spend time with friends? Why did you choose nursing over teaching in the first place? Education school will also be stressful--you would have lots of responsibilities to juggle and a student internship to survive. Public school teaching is very demanding work. You would have all kinds of other stressors if you were doing that!!! You would want to seriously look into it before considering a career change. I know--I was a public school teacher for over 5 years.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Just remember school is not what nursing as a career will be. You are learning and doing alot of jobs that nurses don't always have time to do and thank goodness for the CNA's and other nursing help do, but you have to know how to do them if you are needed too. We are learning about all areas of nursing and not all areas of nursing are going to fit you, your personality, and aptitude. My hat is off to you for the accelerated program -that really would not be for me, so see we are all different and just as the world of nursing is. Hang in there!

thanks so much for your input, it really helped me that day!:D i got done with the NET and aced my interpersonal comm. test. i feel relaxed. sometimes it seems overwhelming...but then you get over the hill. :yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency.

I just finished my 5th week into 2nd semester of my accelerated BSN program...and I completely understand how you feel!! Nursing school is all about having "ups and downs" as I like to put it. One day I'm super down because I don't do as well on an exam as I would have liked to, and the next day I'm on cloud 9 because I aced another test in a different class, or had a great clinical day. My attitude about it all changes daily. I have my days where I ask myself if this is what I want (and I only ask that to myself when I'm having a "down" day of course)...but on those "up" days, I know this is the career for me! Like the other poster said, not all areas are going to appeal to you...I just started my Psych clinicals and it's like something clicked finally...I LOVE it. Fundamentals wasn't exactly fun, but I learned a lot. But Psych is a new passion now....and it makes nursing school all worth it I feel. Once you find your "niche", it'll all come together just fine. Best of luck to you, and anytime you need to vent, we will always be here for you!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion