After a bumpy beginning, finally seeing the light on my nursing journey

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

I have learned so much from being on AN. I have stuck my foot in my mouth on more than one occasion.

When I started my quest to become a nurse I was totally ignorant of what it takes. I suppose I am still very much in the dark. Now that I am getting closer to my goals. I am finally eligible to apply to nursing programs this spring. I graduate with an associates in general studies.

I just wanted to thank you, and everyone who took the time to answer my questions, and assuage my fears. My road has been bumpy, but I am learning that everyone's is. I still don't know if I will make it as a nurse, but I am determined to keep trying. I try to be optimistic, and upbeat to everyone. Because I have been shown more support than I truly deserve.

It is a weird, and enlightening experience for me as if I have lived under a veil of ignorance my whole life, and I am only now beginning to see a tiny glimmer of light.

I just wanted to thank you, and everyone on here. The only question I would have is this.

I am taking Anatomy one, gen chem, micro, and a humanities. If I can manage this massive workload, and eek out the required grades summer school will be required to start a BSN program in the fall.

Should I push myself harder, and take anat two over the summer in order to be eligible for this program, or should I slow it down, and take anat two with organic chem next semester, and just wait the year to apply to nursing programs assuming I cannot start a program this fall.

I am leaning towards pushing myself to take Anatomy two this summer if accepted to a program, so I may attend. Failing acceptance push it back to next semester, and focus anat two, and organic chem next fall.

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Dear Seeing the Light,

What a great letter. Thank you for sharing. Yes, everyone's life is bumpy, just different bumps.

Your life is going to change in ways you can't imagine :). We are all here for you at allnurses on your nursing/life journey.

My advice: Slow down with the pre-requisites. Your workload is very heavy. I'm a good student, and my rule was only one lab class per semester. It's individual, I get that, and I had small children and a job- but you are at risk for burning yourself out.

Your learning experience will be enhanced if you give yourself more time. You don't want to just study for the test, you want to absorb, and process, and learn. The goal is important, but so is the journey.

I'm concerned you could be setting yourself up to fail, or have health issues. Better to plan for success in the long run so we can call you RN in the future :)

Best,

Nurse Beth

[Kiki1970]

The "glimmer of light"... Pace yourself. If you can use the time constructively to get the good grades without sacrificing your health (as Nurse Beth apptley pointed out) you will most likely retain more out of your courses which will serve you better later. At some point that glimmer will shine brightly and you wouldn't have risked burning out too early.

Good luck- that glimmer is dazzling.