burn out from school, need advice

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Hi guys... I am 24 years old and I have been an RN for almost 3 years. Right after graduation in 2001 I worked for about 6 months when I decided that I wanted to go on for my BSN. Well, after working full time, taking classes full time I will be done this dec. , I did it in one year. My next step is grad school because my ultimate goal is to be a geriatric nurse practioner. But I am BURNED OUT! I need to take the GRE exam in order to apply for graduate school, I want to change jobs and get more experience in the field, but at the same time I am afraid of letting go of school. :(

I know I want to go on .. but maybe I will take a semester off?

any advice?

thanks

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Specializes in Neuro Critical Care.

Pamelita,

Only you know if you will go back to school after taking some time off. It sounds like you are very motivated...good luck with your future plans and school!

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Specializes in MS Home Health.

I got my BS in one year too and worked full time and it was hard. I started right away, was not burned out though and did the same for my MS. If your tired wait. I waited a long time, many years to go get the last two degrees.

renerian

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I would give myself at LEAST ONE SEMESTER off; perhaps one year. You will get so much more out of school if you do this. And you are paying BIG BUCKS, so YOU DESERVE TO GET A LOT OUT OF IT!!!! You said it yourself; you are burnt out. For your health's sake and that of your family, you owe this to yourself. IT CAN WAIT 6 months, I think.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Agreed. Don't burn yourself off. What's the rush. You know your goals. You know your going to get them. Don't pressure yourself like that. Life's too short.

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Take a break. You will still be learning on the job and can apply all of that towards your next degree. I find grad school much more enjoyable because I do not feel as much pressure as getting BSN. In fact, I think grad school is an application of practice as much as anything, so having more exp. will be an asset. Good luck.

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Dang. When I was your age I worked in a grocery store and drank beer and smoked dope when I wasn't working. I sure can't offer any advise :D

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Specializes in tele, ICU.

take time off. you'll do better in school and enjoy it more. you sound like me - a bit impatient to get everything schoolwise over and done with as fast as possible - but you have time. there's no need to burn yourself out.

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Specializes in Corrections, Psych, Med-Surg.

Whatever serves to help your recreate yourself would be a good idea.

Maybe taking a break would prove too stressful.

Maybe getting drunk would work.

Maybe helping Habitat for Humanity (or some other group) build a house over a weekend would do it.

Maybe a skiing weekend.

What has worked for you in the past? Something strenuously physical, taking time off, TV/videos, "encounter" workshops?

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hi guys.. thanks for all your advise

Right now I feel that I want to enjoy my career, try different specializations of nursing before I enter graduate school. I've been working with ventilators multisystem failure since I graduated and I want to try something different, but taking classes full time holds me back because I cannot even attend orientation if I want to go to another hospital. I also want to travel to visit my grandmother for her 90 year old b-day in april and If I am in grad school I don't think I can get those days off. I think a break will really help me to refocus myself. I want to give my 100% in school and once I will start grad school I will not stop until I graduate :0

thanks again !! you guys are great.

ps. I love to work out that's my coping mechanism right now:)

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