Already want to give up :(

JustaNrsgStudent · Mar 2, 2011

I would at least wait until the end of the semester to decide that. Last semester was my first as well and I had a few moments like that, but then you do something right or you answer a question or something just finally makes sense and you realize that you can do this! Try to calm down, and don't over-stress :/ I know that's hard to do but you just have to take it each day at a time. Best of luck with nursing and I hope your semester brightens up! :)

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Mar 2, 2011

just started ns in january and already thinking about quitting. I don't feel smart enough for it and I feel like I'm doing horrible when in fact I have been getting good grades thus far. I am totally stressed, always studying and having meltdowns for the last couple days. I feel like I'm not going to make it through so why not just give up rather than fail out?? I know I'm not the only student to ever feel like this, but I sure do feel like it..

This is completely normal. I am 4th semester and almost done and sometimes I feel like I somehow managed to fool everyone thus far and am no way smart enough to really have peoples lives in my hands. Our instructor made a similar comment about us probably feeling this way and everyone started laughing because most of us have felt this way.

If you are getting good grades than take some time off and enjoy life. Go get a massage, or something you want or like. You need to still make time for yourself and to enjoy life and relax. I wouldn't make any decisions only one semester in. Maybe people in our program felt like 1st semester was the hardest semester. I am not sure about that, I think each semester has had it's own challenges for different reasons. I think 1st semester was the busiest for us. But I have felt like the second year has been the most rewarding so far.

cogath · Mar 2, 2011

First semester for me was nuts. I am liking second semester because I know have better time management and know what I need to do to succeed. Wait it out, and remember nothing worthwhile is ever easy.

CorazonDeOro · Mar 2, 2011

It DOES get better. I had a really rough time first year. I was really stressed, I felt incompetent at clinicals, and I was sick of having no life. Second year I gradually made more time for a social life, a part time hospital job, and a new boyfriend. I think it was having ME time that helped the most. You have to study and do homework but there is ALWAYS time for yourself. There has to be. When you go to class feeling less overwhlemed it all seems not so bad.

Despareux · Mar 2, 2011

I agree with everyone else. I loathed my first semester and there were many, many times I wanted to walk away and never look back. My patho was weak, so I had to do extra studying, but now I'm in my 2nd semester and I find that I am actually enjoying it and I don't have to study as hard, and I'm actually feeling a little more confident in my abilities.

Definitely finish your semester. If you just quit mid-semester, then your chances of getting back in, should you decide to do so, are pretty slim to none (policy at my school).

OB-nurse2013, BSN, RN · Mar 3, 2011

I also started in January and feel the same way. I am doing okay grade-wise but the stress is ruining other aspects of my life. I can't stop feeling like if I can't handle this then what about next semester, which will be most definately harder...which of course every friend I have further in the program ensures I know this everytime I bump into one.. I feel depressed, almost as if I am choosing to eitehr succeed in the program or be a good mother and wife. My own mom doesn't even believe in me anymore and she has always been a great support. My husband does but he is always overly optimistic.. Well I just wanted to say this in hopes of feeling a bit better :)

CrunchyMama, ASN, RN · Mar 3, 2011

Honey, I'm in my last semester, will graduate in May, has good grades and I still feel the way you do, lol. Don't give up!!

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN · Mar 3, 2011

No, you're not alone. There are a few girls in my program that freak out and cry daily because of school-related issues. We're in the second semester, or sixth semester, depending on how you look at it. Apparently, from what instructors and this chatboard suggests, it's typical.

heavenbound · Mar 3, 2011

I agree with everything the previous posters have mentioned. I too began NS in January, and am having some what of a decent time. I have heard how stressful it can be prior to getting accepted to school and knowing my limits after obtaining a previous degree. Some strategies that I use that have been helpful to me is taking care of myself in the process. Doing things that I enjoy (exercising, reading a magazine not related to nursing, playing poker, taking a walk around the mall, and the list goes on and varies from day to day) in between my studies. I also do a lot of prioritizing which I think is an essential component in NS. If this is something you really want to do no matter what others may think, GO for it. You will appreciate it more once accomplished because of the sacrifices you have made and the obstacles you have overcome during the process. It will also reflect in your attitude and the way you conduct yourself and perform the job upon graduation. Best of Luck (you are not in this alone).