Am I the Only One???

rghbsn, BSN, RN · Feb 12, 2010

I doubt that you're the only one...but what are the things that are making you anxious? Often not knowing what to expect increases anxiety, so this is one place you can get some answers. There are plenty of prior service folks here, as well as active duty. Some (carolinapooh) have recently graduated from COT and have fresh examples. I believe there is another class that graduates today, so we'll likely have some more fresh information this weekend.

If you are getting anxious over other peoples challenges, I would say try to take them with a grain of salt. Nearly all of us here have different recruiters, live in different places, etc. Everyone has their own expectations, life experiences and current situations that further makes each experience incredibly personal...just with lots of similarities. If you have specific questions, feel free to ask them. If you think they may sound "stupid" or you think that it will embarass you to ask in public, use the PM system. There are plenty of us that are willing to answer questions, offer support, etc.

The goal here is to decrease your anxiety, not increase it. Let us know how we can help and we'll try.

mobro · Feb 13, 2010

you are not the only one with anxiety!! i leave in 23 days and the anxiety comes in horrible waves. one minute i'm thinking "how bad can it really be??" then the next i'm thinking "what did i do?? moving away from home, getting yelled at, sleep deprivation?!" i try to remind myself that there are others in my boat but then everyone else seems so excited. i can't be the only one that will cry into my pillow the first night, right...? i don't know what makes you anxious but i have a million things that do it for me. so, long story short, you're not the only one!! also, once you settle in and adjust it'll be what you're used to and nothing to be anxious about.

luvbug080688 · Feb 13, 2010

Thanks for the reply!

I think it is just me probably. I tend to get anxious over things that I have little to no control over. I like knowing when things are going to happen, what I am going to need, etc, but I don't have much of that yet because I have to graduate and pass my boards before going to COT in August.

Reading other people's topics and replies get my going, but then I have to stop and remind myself that I am already in and now I just have to wait a little bit.

I know I will be okay, I just have to wait a bit longer.

midinphx, BSN · Feb 13, 2010

I think anxiety can be a good thing, if you channel it right. Take control of what you can do and let go of the rest. It has to be a conscious decision to let it go and make yourself not worry about it. If you're worried about the fitness, get running. If you're worried about being prepared and having the right stuff, read up and get what you can, the rest you will worry about when the time comes.

So many others have made it through this very same challenge, you can too! If you made it through nursing school, COT will be nothing.

Everyone gets homesick and frustrated. You won't be without support.

Mobro, I'll miss seeing your posts!!

mobro · Feb 13, 2010

don't you worry- i'll be posting until the day i go and start back the day i'm out! i'm such a worrier i'd love to let others know what to expect as much as possible! i finally found black pumps today and that seems to have decreased my anxiety- silly, i know, but i've literally looked in every shoe store around me!

midinphx, BSN · Feb 13, 2010

I actually already have the black pumps. (Sofft from Dillards). I haven't even been accepted yet (I know it's been months!), but I'm an overplanner and overresearcher. I did keep the receipt and can easily return them if I ...... oh never mind! no if's!

luvbug080688 · Feb 13, 2010

You guys have no idea how much all of your words of encouragement and advice have helped. I thought I was being silly, but thank you! I can't wait to hear what everyone is going through.