anxiety...

sunray12 · Dec 8, 2008

ok, so i officially registered for a & p 1 today for the spring, but my anxiety is really really getting to me. right away i started to think of all the other possible classes i could be taking at that same time. i could take 2 classes and participate in the graduation ceremony in may. i could study something practical like business and not have to turn my and my family's lives upside down to do it. i worry about all the extra time i would have to dedicate to school for this particular major that other majors wouldn't require. i worry about being neglectiful to my family. i think that for the amount of money and time it'll take to get my adn i could have a bachelors....
if it's causing me this much anxiety, should i really be persuing it?

^^to answer your question directly. no. getting through a&p is a lot of work and this is just a taste of what nursing school is like. if this is giving you anxiety then it probably isn't for you at this time. there's no need to jump into taking prereqs now if you're still unsure. if/when you decide this is the way to go then you will be ready to start by taking a&p.

yoginurse2b · Dec 8, 2008

Hi there,

I sense that you are worrying too much! Maybe you have too many things in your mind right now? I would try to prioritize what you really want to achieve in life...whether is going to nursing school or taking another class. Making right choices is hard sometimes, but maybe you can seek advice from friends, teachers or even counselors? Instead of worrying, why not re-focusing your thoughts into something positive? I hope you find the things you really want and achieve them.

Good luck to you.

LuckyKelleyK, RN · Dec 8, 2008

OK, so I officially registered for A & P 1 today for the spring, but my anxiety is really really getting to me. Right away I started to think of all the other possible classes I could be taking at that same time. I could take 2 classes and participate in the graduation ceremony in May. I could study something practical like business and not have to turn my and my family's lives upside down to do it. I worry about all the extra time I would have to dedicate to school for this particular major that other majors wouldn't require. I worry about being neglectiful to my family. I think that for the amount of money and time it'll take to get my ADN I could have a bachelors....
If it's causing me this much anxiety, should I really be persuing it?

I know that its a hard decision! When I decided that nursing was what I really wanted to do I had already been accepted to transfer to UC davis and get a psychology degree. I could have already graduated (almost 2 years ago). Since then I have worked hard and done my prereqs, and struggled to get into nursing school. As of 2 days ago, I FINALLY have gotten into a BSN program! It is so hard but if its what you want to do, it is worth it! I know its hard to choose an uncertain future, but if you are motivated and have a passion for it then you can do it! I never thought that I would get into nursing school, and it has been rough for me but the thought that my hard work and perseverance paid off is so rewarding! I know that I have much more to get through, aka getting through nursing school, finding a job, getting through my 1st year etc.

but I couldn't be happier!

peytonsmom · Dec 8, 2008

I had the exact same thoughts and feelings as you did, and then went on to get a solid A in A&P I this semester while taking another class as well.

Sure, other things would be easier and take less time, but is that what you want? If its not then you're going to find yourself 5 years down the road w/ a degree and a job you aren't 100% satisfied with. That makes for a LONG career!

lifesacomedy · Dec 8, 2008

The first day/week of a class should never be the time when you decide if it's too much. It always looks like too much at the beginning.

Then again, if you're still feeling totally overwhelmed by everything in a few weeks, I might reconsider. A&P I (I thought at the time) was the hardest class ever, until I took A&P II, until I took Microbiology, until I took Chemistry. See what I'm getting at?

It's all difficult. And not impossible. But challenging. My advice is that if you really want it, you'll get through it.

I had a harder time with pre-reqs than Nursing School itself. Got A's and B's in pre-reqs. So far, I have a 4.0 in Nursing School. It all builds on each other. But you still have to take it one class at a time.

Good luck!

xlilchatonx · Dec 10, 2008

I understand what you're going through, I too am registered for A&P 1 next semester along with Calculus (a class I had to withdraw from this semester because I was failing). I also could be taking classes and graduate with a business degree this May (I will still get my business degree, it will just be at the end of summer instead). So I definitely understand your current thoughts.

You have a fear of failure, EVERYONE does because no one wants to invest their time and efforts into something if it's not right for them. Try to not to perceive your fear and anxiety as something that will hold you back but as something that will EMPOWER you. Think of this fear and anxiety as a tool that will help you to achieve great success in your class because you'll be on your toes! Someone who is laid back and over confident (not worried that they'll fail) may actually end up slacking and then realize "oh crap, I need to make a change or I'm in trouble." But because of your feelings you won't have to get to that point because you'll already be making sure you do extra good so that you get through it successfully :specs:

And it all comes down to what makes you HAPPY, what will nursing give you? If it satisfies what you're looking for in a job, then yes, you absolutely should pursue. Just imagine the feeling of greatness knowing that you pushed yourself and you know how much you really can accomplish, talk about a confidence booster! And remember, use your fear and anxiety as a tool! Don't perceive it as something negative or hindering, but something wonderful!

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2008

Business is not that practical of a degree now, especially with the current economy. My sister went to school with a lot of kids who majored in business, and they are all looking for jobs. STILL.

You're the only one who can make the decision as to whether nursing is really the right career or not for you, but I would be wary of trysting anxiety to make that decision. When I started A&P I I was having panic attacks before class because I was so worried about failing and EVERYONE including the department staff was talking about how impossible my professor was (saying things like only 5 of his students passed with Cs last semester....). But I got it together, figured out how to calm myself down, and did really well in his class.

Figure out how to conquer your anxiety, because there will always be something to feel anxious over. THEN decide if nursing is what you want to do.

giggy2 · Dec 18, 2008

If it's causing me this much anxiety, should I really be persuing it?

Absolutely! :banghead: Welcome on-board. Glad you could make it. What took you so long? :yeah:

LillyBug22 · Jan 8, 2009

if it's causing me this much anxiety, should i really be persuing it?

absolutely! ...so long as your mind is 110% set on being a nurse.. also think of all the things you can do with an rn.. you can work behind a desk for an insurance company if you don't like hands on! there are so many options.

as long as your heart is set on it.. go for it. my husband supports me 100% and told me to quit my job and work pt and he would pay the bills so that i could go to school and graduate in about two years or so. so, in that i'm very fortunate. i have alot of people in my family saying negative things.. that i'm quitting my job (where i make really good $$) but i know this is what i've always wanted to do.. just never thought i could do. surround yourself with positive people- you found a great website for support and advice!

trust me.. i'm starting my pre-requisites next week.. including a&p, math 120, eng11 and psych!! i'm right there with you :icon_hug:

wishes215 · Jan 8, 2009

A&P requires 1000% of your time it is alot alot alot!!! of material to absorb in a short period of time and you need to be focused and determined in order to produce an A. If you dont feel ready to take A&P you probally should put it off until you feel confident. GOOD LUCK IN THE SPRING!!!

Hazel11 · Jan 8, 2009

Going into A&P 1 and taking it over the summer was a challenge for me and like you, I had anxiety. But with hard work and dedication, I was able to make it through with an A! We all get nervous about certain classes, and a lot of people have experienced the same emotions. It's good to talk with the people who believe in you and are backing you up, whether it be your mom or a significant other. Good luck and you'll be fine! :heartbeat :)